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F1·July 4, 2026 10:07 AM ET

F1 Drivers Criticise 'Dangerous' Yo-Yo Racing in British GP Sprint at Silverstone

Drivers say energy-saving chaos is a safety risk.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 41 min read
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What happened: Formula 1 drivers voiced sharp criticism of the 'yo-yo' racing produced by energy management in Saturday's British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who finished seventh, said the opening lap 'was just chaos with the energy usage' and called it 'pretty dangerous at some points.' He added that following other cars afterward was 'very, very difficult in terms of staying on top of the car.'

Why it matters: Safety complaints from drivers carry weight with the FIA, and public criticism of how energy deployment shapes wheel-to-wheel racing puts pressure on the sport to review the format under the 2026 regulations. For McLaren, a seventh-place sprint finish adds to a difficult stretch — Lando Norris recently said the team is 'three months behind' in the development fight.

By the numbers: Piastri crossed the line seventh in the Silverstone sprint, which Kimi Antonelli won after overtaking pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton.

What to watch: Watch for whether drivers raise the energy-usage concerns formally with the FIA, and how the dynamic plays out in Sunday's British Grand Prix.

Sources

  • @autosport 

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