Formula 1’s 2026 rules created a strange situation in Japanese GP qualifying where pushing harder actually made drivers slower.
The main reason is the new hybrid system, where cars depend heavily on electrical energy along with the engine. Drivers must carefully manage this energy instead of driving flat-out.
When drivers push too hard, the car uses more energy and then automatically reduces power later to recharge the battery, slowing the car down.
This effect, often called “super-clipping,” means cars can lose speed even when drivers are at full throttle, especially on long straights.
Because of this, drivers sometimes go slower in corners or lift off the throttle early to save energy for better speed later in the lap.
As a result, qualifying is no longer just about pure speed and skill, but more about managing energy in the smartest way.
Many drivers are unhappy with this system, saying it takes away the feeling of pushing to the limit during qualifying laps.
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