Energy management concerns are growing: the FIA steps in to avoid controversy.
After several concerns emerged ahead of the Suzuka weekend, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has decided to intervene immediately to prevent qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix from being compromised by the 2026 energy limitations, avoiding further controversy surrounding the highly debated new regulations in Formula 1.
With a statement released just minutes ago, the FIA officially confirmed a reduction in the maximum recharge allowed per lap, dropping from 9.0 MJ to 8.0 MJ, exclusively for Saturday qualifying.
The Super Clipping Problem
The decision comes in response to the super clipping phenomenon, which emerged strongly during simulations at Suzuka Circuit (and also in Melbourne). The long high-speed sections of the Japanese circuit are expected to make energy management difficult for the new power units, potentially leaving drivers without electric power at key moments of the lap.
This situation risked compromising the spectacle of qualifying sessions, which – it must be admitted – have already struggled to deliver excitement in the first two rounds of the season.
The change was approved unanimously by engine manufacturers, a clear sign that the issue is widely shared across the paddock. The goal is simple: ensure Suzuka remains a track where driver talent and pure performance can still make the difference.
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What About the Race?
For Sunday’s race, the 8.5 MJ limit currently remains unchanged, although the feeling in the paddock is that this intervention is only the first step in a broader process.
The new 2026 regulations continue to raise questions, and further changes could arrive in the next rounds of the calendar. In this context, the upcoming break – influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East – could provide time for development, ideas, and corrections aimed at reducing the growing criticism currently surrounding Formula 1.
Foto: Formula 1
