Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies stated that Formula 1 should prioritize returning to flat-out qualifying sessions as soon as possible, a view shared across the paddock. He highlighted energy management issues with new power units affecting driver performance in qualifying. Mekies suggested focusing changes for the 2027 season.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing team principal, emphasized the need for Formula 1 to restore flat-out qualifying after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. He noted unanimous agreement among teams, the FIA, F1 officials, and drivers on this priority. The new power units, delivering nearly 50% electrical power, have shifted focus to energy management, leading drivers to downshift, lift and coast before corners, or avoid full throttle in fast curves to conserve battery for later deployment. This has drawn criticism for diminishing the challenge of qualifying sessions compared to past years. Mekies said, “If there is one thing we all agree [on] – all teams, FIA, F1 and the drivers – it is that we all would like to see qualifying to be flat-out qualifying, or as close as possible to flat-out qualifying.” He added that achieving this would naturally reduce strategic gaming in races, though opinions vary on acceptable race management levels. Mid-season adjustments are challenging unless deemed safety-related, as Max Verstappen noted. Mekies advocated targeting substantial fixes for 2027 while implementing minor tweaks in 2026. Despite changes, lap times remain competitive: Kimi Antonelli's pole at Suzuka was 1m28.778s, 1.8 seconds slower than Verstappen's the previous year but faster than poles from 2022, 2023, and pre-2016 eras.
