Carlos Sainz Calls for F1 Qualifying Rule Changes After Austria Crash

Spain’s Carlos Sainz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone is likely to feature "yo‑yo" racing. He linked this to the FIA’s latest adjustment to the energy‑management rules, which lowered the qualifying charging limit from 7.5 to 6.5 megajoules in an effort to curb lift‑and‑coast driving.

Sainz also demanded major rule revisions after the yellow‑flag controversy at the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session, where Max Verstappen’s crash and a single‑yellow‑flag deployment allowed George Russell to take pole. He proposed that any driver who causes a yellow or red flag in qualifying receive a three‑place grid penalty, arguing this would deter dangerous situations and ensure fair competition. Sainz said he will discuss the proposal with fellow drivers at upcoming GPDA meetings.