P1 with Matt and Tommy Reaction to Japanese GP practice
Mar 27, 2026
Discussion of FIA’s tweak to qualifying battery usage and whether it fixes super-clipping. Recap of FP1 incidents, a surprise driver substitution, and a light take on the situation. Highlights of FP2 pace with Piastri and McLaren pushing back. Debates over Ferrari’s soft-tyre struggles versus a hidden Mercedes advantage. Analysis of Red Bull’s midfield problems and Audi reliability notes.
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Tiny Battery Tweak Won't Fix Super‑Clipping
- FIA reduced qualifying maximum battery recharge from 9MJ to 8MJ to reduce super-clipping and reliance on harvested energy.
- Matt and Tom note the change is tiny and likely insufficient, with 130R still showing heavy speed drop and qualifying still compromised.
Prioritise Race Entertainment Over Patchy Qualifying
- Accept Sunday racing may be more entertaining than Saturday qualifying while the series experiments with battery rules.
- Matt and Tom suggest tolerating compromised qualifying short‑term to preserve race action until a bigger fix arrives.
Perez Missed Mirror Caused Chaotic FP1 Last Chicane Crash
- FP1 saw George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris top the session and a heavy Perez‑Albon crash into the final chicane.
- Matt highlights Albon's aggressive dive and Perez missing his right mirror leading to the collision.