# Sainz criticizes FIA over qualifying power error

> Sainz blames FIA for power error in qualifying that left drivers behind.
- Title: Sainz criticizes FIA over qualifying power error · RaceFans
- Summary: Sainz blames FIA for power error in qualifying that left drivers behind. Carlos Sainz says FIA's qualifying error reduced power for some drivers, causing…
- Keywords: carlos sainz, fia, qualifying, overtake mode, sprint race, power error, sports, cars, Sainz, criticizes, power, error
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/09/sainz-slates-fia-for-qualifying-blunder-which-left-some-drivers-down-on-power
- Published: 2026-10-09T14:36:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carlos sainz, fia, qualifying, overtake mode, f1, sprint race, power error, sports, cars
## Sainz criticizes FIA
Carlos Sainz says the FIA showed no regard for sporting equity after an error left some drivers down on power in qualifying.
## FIA admits human error
The sport’s governing body admitted a human error meant drivers were not able to use Overtake Mode when they were allowed to for a period following the red flag in the first phase of qualifying.
## Sainz eliminated in SQ1
Sainz was one of the six drivers who were eliminated in SQ1. He set the 15th-fastest time in first practice but ended qualifying 22nd and last.
## Sainz explains power issue
Sainz said a number of problems affected his lap, one of which was the reduction in power due to Overtake Mode being disabled.
## Sainz on power discrepancy
We did the whole lap with half a second less power than any other lap of the weekend, so that’s never going to help.

> We did the whole lap with half a second less power than any other lap of the weekend, so that’s never going to help.
## FIA repeats error
The FIA, like in Malaysia, didn’t decide to do sporting equity, and were happy to do half of the cars in quali with a higher power than the other half of their cars.
## Key takeaway

Carlos Sainz says FIA's qualifying error reduced power for some drivers, causing them to finish last.