The FIA has reduced the maximum energy recovery limit for qualifying from 9.0 MJ to 8.0 MJ per lap after drivers complained the original rule forced them to prioritize battery management over outright speed. The change, implemented for the Japanese GP, aims to allow a return to more natural, flat-out driving in the grid-setting session.
Nico Hulkenberg found out his team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, had left Audi via a text from his mother. Wheatley's sudden departure after one year, due to personal reasons, adds to the team's management churn but drivers insist the operational impact will be minimal with Mattia Binotto leading the project.
Ahead of the Japanese GP, Lewis Hamilton anticipates another close fight with Ferrari, noting their similar cornering speed but identifying power deployment as the key battleground. The high-speed Suzuka circuit will test which team's 2026 development direction holds the advantage on a classic, flowing track.
Reigning champion Lando Norris backs McLaren to develop the best car in F1 this season, despite a poor start that leaves them well behind Mercedes and Ferrari. He cites the team's proven development strength and history of comebacks as reasons for optimism.
Mercedes has clarified that strange, slow front wing movements seen in China were caused by a hydraulic pressure issue, not a designed trick. The FIA has accepted the explanation, and the team believes the fault may have hurt their performance. The incident shows how closely rivals watch each other for any potential regulatory advantage.
For the Japanese GP, the FIA has cut the maximum energy recovery allowed per qualifying lap from 9.0 to 8.0 Megajoules. This first in-season tweak aims to reduce artificial energy-saving driving and put greater emphasis back on pure driver performance, responding to criticism of the new 2026 regulations.
Oscar Piastri confirms an electrical issue in the Mercedes power unit caused his failure to start the Chinese GP, marking a second consecutive DNS to begin the season. The McLaren driver and the team are working with engine supplier HPP to resolve the problem as they aim to move past the disastrous start and focus on improving performance.
F1 arrives at Suzuka for the 2026 Japanese GP, with Mercedes looking to continue its dominant start against a resurgent Ferrari. The race is the last before a long break, raising the stakes for teams like McLaren seeking redemption and Red Bull hoping for a turnaround. Unpredictable weather could challenge the established order at the iconic circuit.
Aston Martin brass deflected questions about potential management changes, redirecting focus to the urgent technical crisis with its 2024 car. The team's new Honda power unit is underpowered and causing severe, painful vibrations for drivers Alonso and Stroll, overshadowing the weekend at the engine supplier's home race in Japan.
Max Verstappen refused to begin a media session at Suzuka until a journalist he clashed with last year left the room, reigniting discussion about driver-media relations. He later criticized the current F1 regulations, calling the cars 'energy-starved' around the demanding Japanese circuit.
Gabriel Bortoleto says Audi F1 was prepared for Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley's sudden departure, which happened rapidly between races. He praised Wheatley's work as Mattia Binotto steps in, amid rumors linking Wheatley to Aston Martin.
Lewis Hamilton champions the 2026 F1 regulations, arguing they enable the close, high-speed following and constant battling that defines true racing. His stance directly counters critics like Max Verstappen, framing the changes as a necessary correction after years of cars being unable to race closely.
