Liam Lawson voices mental strain concerns over F1's new qualifying energy limits

Liam Lawson has described Formula 1's new qualifying format as "extremely" tough mentally, arguing that drivers can no longer push flat-out due to strict energy deployment limits. The Racing Bulls driver labeled it a "strange way of driving," where finding time in corners can paradoxically make a lap slower by using too much energy, forcing drivers to drive under the limit.

Why it matters:

This shift represents a fundamental change in the core skill of qualifying—pure, uncompromising speed. If drivers must constantly manage energy instead of attacking every corner, it could dilute the spectacle of the single-lap shootout and add a layer of strategic complexity that some feel belongs in the race, not qualifying.

The details:

• For the Japanese Grand Prix, the permitted energy deployment from the hybrid system was reduced from 9MJ to 8MJ per lap to limit tactics like excessive lift-and-coast.
• Lawson explained the frustration: "You're finding time through the corners, but you're using more energy, and then you end up being slow trying to find the balance."
• The new approach requires drivers to follow pre-set energy management methods rather than relying purely on instinct and aggression, which Lawson says adds "more rules to follow when qualifying, where previously you were flat-out."
• He emphasized the mental challenge, stating it's about "trusting the methods we have and following them" even when the instinct is to push harder.

What's next:

Driver criticism of the new format was widespread at Suzuka, suggesting this will be a point of contention. As teams and drivers adapt, the governing body may face pressure to review the energy limits if qualifying sessions are perceived as less exciting or authentic tests of ultimate pace. The focus will be on finding a balance between promoting energy management for the race and preserving the pure, flat-out nature of Saturday's session.