The FIA has made some concessions to drivers and teams with an important rule change in the run-up to qualifying for the Japanese GP, which is on the agenda this weekend. The change concerns energy management.
Read more Wolff: ‘Ninety percent of fans find races under new regulations entertaining’
Managing the battery has been a subject of discussion since the introduction of the new engine regulations, especially after it became painfully clear around the opening race of the season in Melbourne that drivers had to lift off the throttle even during qualifying to recharge the battery. Max Verstappen was one of the biggest critics and spoke of ‘Formula E on steroids’, among other things, but many other drivers also voiced their concerns.
Formula 1 is working behind the scenes on longer-term solutions, which may be implemented during the Miami GP in early May. However, with Japan in mind, they did not want to wait to apply a necessary emergency measure. After all, the Suzuka circuit is expected to expose the cars to the risk of energy shortages, as there are not many heavy braking zones where the batteries can be easily recharged. There was therefore a fear that the race would be dominated by the need for a lot of ‘super clipping’, or the sudden loss of energy because the battery runs out.
FIA Statement
The FIA is now making some concessions to drivers by slightly reducing the impact of the battery in qualifying. In a statement from the FIA, the following can be read:
Read more Max Verstappen dismisses British journalist: ‘Get out!’
“Following consultation between the FIA, F1 teams and engine manufacturers, with unanimous support from all manufacturers, a minor adjustment has been made to energy management in qualifying for the Japanese GP. To ensure that the intended balance between energy deployment and driver performance is maintained, drivers may recover 8.0 megajoules of energy in qualifying instead of 9.0 megajoules. This adjustment reflects feedback from drivers and teams, who have emphasized the importance of a challenge in qualifying.”
The FIA also states that in its view there are also positive signs. “The FIA notes that the first events under the 2026 regulations have been operationally successful. The FIA, together with F1 teams and engine manufacturers, remains committed to further developments in energy management, with further discussions scheduled in the coming weeks.”
Read more Verstappen reacts for the first time to Nordschleife disqualification: ‘Puts team on alert’
Read everything about the Japanese GP here
