Overview
- The FIA, which on Thursday reduced the qualifying recharge cap from 9MJ to 8MJ for Suzuka, said the change is meant to curb “superclipping,” where cars slow at the end of straights as they siphon power to refill the battery.
- Max Verstappen refused to begin his official press conference until Guardian reporter Giles Richards left the room, a flashpoint that followed friction over a question from last season’s finale.
- Mercedes enter Japan on the back of two straight 1–2 finishes and a clear points lead, with the race set to be the last before a five‑week break created by the cancellations of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
- Red Bull is bringing a major upgrade package to Japan, with reports pointing to a revised floor, new sidepod geometry and software mapping changes as the team tries to close the gap to Mercedes.
- Honda-powered Aston Martin is still battling severe power-unit vibrations that have forced retirements and raised driver safety concerns, with Lance Stroll describing the car as very uncomfortable and setting finishing the race as a key goal.