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Ferrari's SF-26 looked stronger over long runs than on a single lap in Friday practice at Suzuka. Setup issues and an oversteer tendency left questions, while McLaren impressed and Mercedes still set the benchmark.
Friday at Suzuka underlined a clear truth: McLaren has single-lap pace, but the MCL40 still drops time in specific corners. Data from practice and comments from James Vowles and Andrea Stella point to mechanical gremlins and a deficit in mid-corner performance compared with Mercedes.
Haas rookie Oliver Bearman says the FIA's decision to cut qualifying recharge from 9.0MJ to 8.0MJ at Suzuka will slow cars and leave drivers still struggling with energy management. He wants clearer software rules and more harvesting power instead.
The FIA has cut the maximum recoverable energy in qualifying at Suzuka from 9 MJ to 8 MJ to limit lift-and-coast and power unit clipping. The change is agreed with engine makers, applies only to qualifying, and further fixes are expected in Miami.
Ferrari goes to Suzuka aiming to cut the race gap to Mercedes to about 4-5 tenths. Focus areas: energy management, straightline drag and tyre wear. April at Maranello will be a busy month of developments ahead of Miami.
Mercedes has been testing a two-stage return of its front wing to Corner Mode. The trick aims to manage aero balance during braking, and while rivals have raised questions, FIA sensors currently classify the move as legal. Suzuka will be the real test.
Haas will run a Godzilla-inspired paint job at the Japanese Grand Prix after signing a season-long deal with the studio behind the monster. The look will also appear at the US Grand Prix in October.
Mercedes has revealed a wolf-inspired front wing for the Japanese Grand Prix, born from a Y-3 collaboration and Japanese myth, and it arrives as the W17 leads the early championship.
The new rookie rotation program rolls out at Suzuka: Jak Crawford will drive in FP1 for the Japanese Grand Prix, getting his first real-track taste after simulator work.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli delivered his first Formula 1 victory in Shanghai with clear pace and control. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff warned against hype, asking the team and media to manage expectations as the season moves on to Suzuka.
Shanghai looked calmer than Melbourne: Lewis says the new cars are easier to follow, but Max and others warn the season could turn into a battery management contest. FIA will wait before changing anything.