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F1 in 2026 feels different. Because it is. New power units. New energy rules. New grey areas nobody's fully mapped yet. That's what we're paying attention to.

@F1BigData 3 races in and a full grid would be a milestone. Says a lot about reliability.

Tomorrow, we might finally see all 22 drivers on the starting grid Australia - Piastri and Hulkenberg DNS China Sprint - Albon Pit Lane China Race - Norris, Piastri, Bortoleto and Albon DNS

@wearetherace Albon said it best. You can be quicker in every corner and still finish the lap slower. That’s a new kind of driving challenge which looks like just not the one anyone wanted.

😩 "Hurts your soul" ❌ Challenge has "gone" 🚓 "Handcuffed" drivers The 2026 #F1 regulations have not proved popular with drivers at Suzuka, lamenting the impact of harvesting and deployment on one of the championship's most-loved tracks: the-race.com/formula-1/suzu…

@formularacers_ This year it sounds structural.

Max Verstappen after qualifying: "I think we have bigger problems than what we had last year. "Some parts of the car at the moment are not working how we want them to work."

Suzuka Qualifying done. Mercedes on pole again. Ferrari lost it in the final sector. McLaren were close but not there. Verstappen called his car undriveable. Alonso was almost three seconds off. The 2026 pecking order is starting to take shape.

@F1GuyDan One of each. Something isn't adding up at Red Bull.

🚨 Max Verstappen in qualifying in 2026 Q3 appearances - 1 Q2 eliminations - 1 Q1 eliminations - 1

@F1BigData 10 years. Two Honda projects. Same story

Fernando Alonso set almost exactly the same qualifying time in 2016 as he did today Suzuka 2016 qualy (McLaren-Honda): 1:32.646 Suzuka 2026 qualy (Aston Martin-Honda): 1:32.689

@formularacers_ The driver knows. The engineer knows. The radio just made it official.

Albon: "Where was I slow to Carlos?" Engineer: "You probably don't want to know, but you can probably guess." Albon: "Yesss. I complain for 3 races in a row that something's wrong - but I'm sure it's my driving style."

@F1GuyDan The gap isn't the only problem. They still don't know what's causing it.

Aston Martin's first time qualifying at Suzuka using a Honda engine P21 - Fernando Alonso P22 - Lance Stroll Not the homecoming they wanted.

@F1GuyDan 130R isn’t gone. The question is whether it’s still a corner that separates drivers or it’s just another energy decision.

It’s disappointing how these regulations are taking all the character out of tracks. 130R at Suzuka, Turns 9-10 in Melbourne used to be some of the best places to watch an F1 car. Now those are gone. Soon most tracks will feel bland & similar. It shouldn’t be that way.

Friday at Suzuka: Mercedes look settled. McLaren have pace. Ferrari slightly off. And reliability is already part of the story. Feels like consistency might matter more than outright pace this weekend. #JapaneseJP

Suzuka doesn’t give you time to think. Corner after corner of commitment. Now do that while managing energy. #JapaneseGP

@fia @F1 Reducing the recharge limit at Suzuka, not raising it. Less to fill means drivers aren’t spending the whole lap chasing the battery. Now the problem isn’t power, it’s how much of the lap is spent managing energy.

An ajustement to the energy management parameters for Qualifying at the #JapaneseGP has been agreed with the unanimous support of all Power Unit Manufacturers. #FIA #F1

@ThisIsFormu1a1 Dirty air isn’t gone. It’s just being managed differently.

🚨| How new F1 rulebook shifts focus from aero to power in solving a long-standing problem: — The new F1 regulations tested over two race weekends indicate a shift from solely relying on aerodynamic solutions to addressing the dirty air issue. Fast cars inherently create turbulent wakes, and high downforce remains essential. — The introduction of new power units has altered the dynamics, allowing drivers to stay closer and engage in battles even in disturbed air. This marks a significant change, reducing the impact of dirty air compared to previous seasons. — Despite Ferrari's strong performance against Mercedes, they have struggled to maintain the fight, highlighting that the current rules are not flawless. Teams are collaborating with F1 to refine these regulations for better racing. — Aerodynamics and tyres still play crucial roles, but the future may require a combination of aero improvements and power delivery systems. The challenge lies in ensuring these systems do not create artificial advantages like DRS. — The ongoing dialogue and data collection from current regulations provide a valuable test case for F1. The sport aims to develop a comprehensive solution that promotes closer racing by overcoming the effects of dirty air. — The key takeaway is that F1 must focus on overcoming dirty air effects rather than merely reducing them to achieve closer racing. This approach could lead to a more complete and lasting fix for the sport's long-standing problem. #f12026 VIA: [motorsportweek]

@Planet_F1 130R used to be about commitment. If that zone really sits near 130R, it’s also about what mode the car is in.

A bold move... The FIA has added an straight-mode zone for Suzuka... on the approach to 130R. planetf1.com/news/fia-japan…

@formularacers_ When one car pulls ahead, the rulebook suddenly gets a lot of attention. Usually because one interpretation is working better than the rest.

🚨 | BREAKING: The FIA has received a request to clarify the legality of the Mercedes W17's front wing. Full story below: lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/20…

@formularacers_ Two races in and still no root cause. Vibration is one issue. The battery efficiency it’s costing them is another entirely.

🚨 | Honda admit there is a fundamental issue they are working on. Details below: lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/20…

@F1BigData Suzuka’s layout might be a cleaner test for under these regs than Melbourne. High-speed corners and less emphasis on straight-line energy management.

🚨SUZUKA OFFICAL TRACK MAP Only 2 straight mode zones, in the main straight and before the 130R

@autosport Two races into a new era and we’re already talking about changing it.

"Going back to the old engines isn't an option here; it might be ahead of 2030/31" As the FIA prepares to review the new F1 regs after Japan, we've delved into the key areas of debate and what the governing body could change 👀 autosport.com/f1/news/what-t…

@wearetherace When the driver says “nothing seems to fix it,” that’s usually the simulation & the real world having a disagreement and Williams hasn’t resolved yet.

There are other issues affecting Williams beyond its #F1 car being overweight. One that blighted Alex Albon's Chinese GP is of particular concern... the-race.com/formula-1/yet-…

@F1 Suzuka was built by Honda in 1962 as a test track. 63 years later they are back here with an engine that needs fixing. Some circuits just have a way of making things feel bigger than they are.

One week until we go racing in Japan! 🇯🇵😍 #F1 #JapaneseGP