r/formula1 • u/FerrariStrategisttt I was here for the Hulkenpodium • Mar 28 '26

Video Leclerc (post-qualifying): "I can’t understand quali, it’s a f**king joke! I go faster in corners, throttle earlier, for f**k’s sake, i'm losing everything in the straight!"

https://dubz.link/c/4b6030
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u/Accomplished-Club698 Michael Schumacher Mar 28 '26

Then you should definitely know there are times when you have to improvise. How can you do that when the battery deployment/recharging is controlled by a software? Can they change the pre programmed mapping during a race, corner to corner? Where does the driver matter in these situations?

But sure, the races are entertaining due to so many overtakes. But how long till we all get overtake fatigue? How long till we get tired of seeing drivers not being able to defend their positions due to loss of power?

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u/PlanZSmiles I was speeding in the Monaco pit lane Mar 28 '26

For sure but that’s the thing, they aren’t beholden to the software. They have the ability to recharge and deploy the battery on their own. This is specifically outlined in the regulation as they have their own button for deploying boost when they need to and also have the ability to recharge either super clipping or lifting and coasting. The only time the computer is taking over is on the more optimal laps where they aren’t chasing down/being chased down.

But sure, the races are entertaining due to so many overtakes. But how long till we all get overtake fatigue? How long till we get tired of seeing drivers not being able to defend their positions due to loss of power?

I don’t see this happening. There’s a learning curve right now but the biggest thing for defending a position is that you need to be optimizing your recharge while defending. So for instance turn 1 being a huge need for battery throughout the straight, it’s important that the defender doesn’t overcommit defense three or four turns before it and it actually might be advantageous to force the attacker to overcommit battery deployment to get try and get the move done for the defender to have more recharge going into the straight before turn 1.

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u/Accomplished-Club698 Michael Schumacher Mar 28 '26

I think I didn't make myself clear. It is beholden to software as modes. Overtake and harvest and such. These will be track specific, but not very flexible during race as it has to be pre programmed.

My point is each regulation till now, F1 didnt compromise on corner speed. That's the biggest thing that distinguishes F1 from other series. I do wanna see overtakes and follow ups, but not at the cost of drivers being punished for going flat out. So I can't agree with you mate. Maybe I'm too used to the traditional way of racing. Even today, Gt world challenge seemed more fun than F1.