The FIA may already implement changes to the F1 regulations during the Japanese GP. After the season opener in Australia, it became clear that opinions are still divided on the new cars and – in particular – the engines. According to some, the complex energy management led to artificial overtaking maneuvers, unreliable cars, and even dangerous situations. After the race weekend in China, talks are planned between the FIA and the teams.
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Although the new, more agile chassis are being received mostly positively, criticism is mainly focused on the engines and energy management. According to several drivers, battery management plays too large a role in performance, forcing them to race in a way that feels unnatural. There were also complaints after the opening race in Melbourne that many overtaking maneuvers felt artificial, while at the same time warnings were issued about potential safety risks due to large speed differences between cars with different energy levels.
Possible adjustments in Japan
The FIA and Formula 1 acknowledge that the current balance between energy generation and deployment may not be ideal, but they do not want to intervene prematurely. After all, Albert Park in Melbourne is among the circuits where energy management is most difficult. They want to collect more data first: after the upcoming Chinese GP, an evaluation will be made to see if interventions are necessary. Any urgent adjustments could then be implemented as early as the third round in Japan, with further changes later in the season.
According to FIA director Nikolas Tombazis, several options are on the table. “The teams were unanimously in agreement that we should maintain the current rules for the first few races and review the matter once we have more data,” he stated. “After China, we want to review the situation regarding energy management. We have a few tricks up our sleeve, but we didn’t want to be impulsive and introduce them just before the first race. After China, we will consult with the teams.”
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Fans’ opinion is leading
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not rule out adjustments, despite his team’s strong start in Australia; the Silver Arrows recorded a one-two finish in Melbourne. According to him, the focus should primarily be on what is best for the fans. “We need to have a great spectacle,” he explained. “The best cars in the world for the best drivers. That’s why we just have to look at the whole product. Of course, the drivers’ perspective is important, but Stefano Domenicali (F1 CEO, ed.) will always say that the fans’ opinion is the guiding principle. That’s what we need to look at. If something needs to be adjusted, I think we have the flexibility in Formula 1 to always make those decisions.”
Several drivers are also calling for safety to be taken into account. For instance, race starts remain a sensitive issue. On Sunday, Franco Colapinto managed to avoid a major crash by swerving at the last moment to avoid Liam Lawson. The latter struggled with engine problems and didn’t get off the line well. Lando Norris also warned after the race about speed differences on the track. “Sometimes there are differences of 30, 40, or even 50 kilometers per hour,” he noted. “If someone hits you at that speed, you’ll fly right over the guardrail. That’s a terrible thought.”
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Read everything about the Australian GP here
