Drivers expressed frustration after chaotic opening laps in the British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone on Saturday. Differences in electrical deployment created sudden speed changes that several competitors described as dangerous.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri finished seventh and said the first lap involved chaos with energy usage. He noted it was pretty dangerous at some points and expected similar conditions on Sunday.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc placed fifth after starting fourth. He highlighted difficulties overtaking due to varying deployment strategies, including being much slower than surrounding cars on the Hangar Straight.
Max Verstappen said he has decided not to comment further on the issue. Lando Norris, who finished third, offered a more positive view that the racing was better than expected.
The track layout at Silverstone, with its straights and fast corners, exposed limitations in the current hardware rules. The FIA had previously made adjustments following an incident at Suzuka.
