FIA Reduces Energy Limit in F1 Qualifying

0:00It's March 26th, this is F-1 News today, powered by AI, your team, your update. The FIA has reduced the energy harvesting limit for Formula 1 qualifying at the Suzuki Circuit from 9 Megajoules to 8 Megajoules. This change aims to cut down on super clipping, where drivers recharge energy while staying flat out before corners. Tracks like Suzuki and Melbourne are tough for natural energy recovery, prompting the quick adjustment ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. Earlier this season in Albert Park in Shanghai, drivers faced unnatural speed profiles into key turns. Even on strong laps like George Russell's pole and Melbourne, teams resorted to aggressive clipping well before braking zones. In Shanghai, drivers noted they got penalized for taking risks, as the system favored energy tricks over pure driving skill. After the Chinese Grand Prix, teams agreed races are entertaining and don't need fixes, but qualifying should stay a true driver challenge. They wanted less lift and coast or super clipping on flying laps to keep the focus on performance.

1:04Initially, nothing was set to change for Japan, with reviews planned before Miami. But the FIA revisited Suzuki simulations, saw more super clipping risks than expected, and issued the tweak on Thursday with full support from power. Unit Makers Normally, such changes need 4 weeks notice, but this got a pass due to the fresh data. The race on Sunday stays unchanged, as the FIA sees the overall 2026 regulations working well so far. Teams and manufacturers will keep refining energy rules in coming weeks to balance the new setup.