Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast Spanners' Japan F1 GP Qualifying Reaction show. Non-canon
10 snips
Mar 28, 2026 Wild qualifying talk about teammate battles and breakout pace. Deep dives on Antonelli unsettling Russell and Hadjar outpacing Verstappen. Debates over driving lines, curb use and McLaren's drivability. Frustration with AI battery deployment and TV coverage choices. Notes on surprise midfield performances, Aston Martin woes and how regulation shifts expose different drivers.
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Antonelli Outqualifying Russell Signals Real Threat
- Kimi Antonelli is showing a clear pace advantage over George Russell in this regulation era.
- Antonelli topped most runs at Suzuka, took pole despite a hairpin lock and consistently looked more aggressive through key corners.
AI Deployment Logic Is Causing Unpredictable Snap Behaviours
- The new battery/regeneration deployment logic is disrupting drivers' throttle inputs and lap consistency.
- Spanners describes machine-learning deployment deciding when to regen, causing snaps when drivers lift then reapply throttle, costing lap time.
Let Drivers Control Battery Deployment
- Give drivers direct control over battery deployment to avoid computer-driven surprises.
- Spanners suggests linking deployment to the throttle or a dial/button so drivers decide proportion of ICE vs battery use.