Charles Leclerc bemoans loss of 'brave' F1 skill: 'It's not possible'

Charles Leclerc feels F1 drivers can no longer be "brave" during qualifying owing to the energy demands placed on them during flying laps.

Across the first three races in Australia, China, and Japan, both Melbourne and Suzuka are deemed to be 'energy-starved' tracks where drivers need to super-clip and also lift and coast to ensure they have enough electrical energy to complete a lap. 

This was most evident during those respective qualifying sessions with cars audibly and visibly de-rating, or slowing down, on approach to the fast Turns 9 and 10 in Melbourne and the 130R corner at Suzuka.

Talks have been held and will continue to be so ahead of the Miami GP about implementing changes to the technical regulations after widespread acceptance that the rules package needs tweaking.

Fernando Alonso branded the challenge of driving at Suzuka's famous high-speed corners as like being in a "charging station" for the batteries, and whilst Leclerc did not go as far as the two-time champion, he still bemoaned the loss of a risking everything on a Q3 lap.

"Honestly, the thing is that in Q3, or at least it depends on what car you have, but you want to get out on the track and try things which you have never tried before," Leclerc told media, including RacingNews365.

"Taking risks that you've never taken before, and that's been the most rewarding for most of us in all of our careers, and now this is not possible anymore.

"Every time you go a little bit over the limit, anytime you have a bit of a snap, it is costing energy on the power unit side, and then you pay the price more.

"At the moment, it feels like consistency is paying off more than being brave and going to try something you've never tried before, which is a shame, and which makes qualifying a little bit less challenging.

"It is something we need to work on, but it is a known issue; it is not that the FIA or the teams are accepting the situation as it is.

"There is a lot of work behind the scenes, and I hope we can find a solution."