F1 introduce qualifying change for Japanese GP to address energy concerns
Formula 1 has moved quickly to address growing concerns over its new 2026 regulations, introducing a late change to qualifying rules ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka running from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29.
The FIA have reduced the maximum energy deployment allowed per lap from 9 megajoules to 8 megajoules for qualifying, in a bid to limit excessive energy management and restore a more traditional, flat-out approach.
Why the rule change was needed
Under the new 2026 power unit regulations, F1 cars rely on a near 50-50 split between combustion and electric energy.
While designed to improve sustainability and innovation, the shift has significantly altered how drivers approach a qualifying lap.
Instead of pushing at maximum pace throughout, drivers have increasingly been forced to lift off in fast corners to harvest energy, before deploying it on straights.
This has led to what many have described as unnatural driving patterns, with outright performance often sacrificed for energy efficiency.
The situation has drawn criticism from teams, drivers and fans alike, with concerns that qualifying - traditionally the purest test of speed - was becoming overly strategic.
In response, the FIA hace acted quickly. By reducing the available energy per lap, the governing body hopes to discourage drivers from excessive harvesting and instead encourage them to push harder throughout the lap.
The change has been agreed with manufacturers and is seen as an immediate fix for Suzuka, with further discussions expected in the coming weeks as F1 continues to refine its new rules.
READ MORE: F1 news: Ferrari fight back while Mercedes play politics
Driver reactions
Several drivers have already voiced frustration with the 2026 regulations, arguing that the heavy focus on energy management detracts from the essence of racing and limits their ability to push to the limit.
With the new change, the grid has not expressed complete satisfaction, stating that more may need to be done.
"I don't think it will be a game-changer. I think it will be pretty similar, apart from for the driver where maybe there's a little bit less lift and coast, which is I think a good thing,” said Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.
“I think for qualifying there are still some changes that need to be done to make sure that we can push at the maximum, whatever the limit of the car is.”
His team-mate Lewis Hamilton said: "They have changed it coming into the weekend. When we were on the simulator, you were having to do a tonne of lift and coast, which is really, really not enjoyable to do, particularly for a qualifying lap."
"It's different. I need to go out and drive with it first. I think it will eliminate some things and it will shift around some other bits,” said reigning World Champions Lando Norris.
"I think the thing is you also have tracks where it will be better. Some tracks it will work and be a much better thing, some tracks it won't change too much.
"So it should be a little bit better here. It's not like it's going to change the whole world."
A work in progress
The late change highlights just how much of a work in progress F1’s new era remains.
While the regulations promise closer racing and greater sustainability, finding the right balance between technology and driver skill is proving challenging.
Suzuka will now serve as an important test. If the tweak delivers more natural, flat-out qualifying laps, it could shape further changes in the races ahead.
If not, more adjustments are likely to follow as F1 continues to fine-tune its bold new direction.
READ NEXT: MMA opinion: Why Arman Tsarukyan isn’t fighting for a belt
