The Suzuka race showed that Formula 1's 2026 hybrid deployment strategies can create exciting, near-constant passing but also exposed power-unit behaviors that Formula 1, the FIA and the teams will discuss at next week's meeting.
At Suzuka, the lap-50 duel illustrated how energy management now dictates driving choices; Lando Norris, driver, used electric boost out of Spoon to close on Lewis Hamilton, driver, reaching nearly 330 km/h before lifting and reapplying throttle. Regulations require the control unit to restore at least 200 kW of MGU-K support for at least one second after a lift, resetting the reduction curve and changing speed differentials.
That mandated restoration can disrupt overtakes, encourage counter-overtakes on the main straight and affect qualifying and race pace, so teams and regulators must consider adjustments to the 2026 regulations.
Read the full article at motorsport.com.
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