Overview
- The FIA, which met Friday, said it will consider targeted changes to 2026 energy‑management rules and set follow‑up sessions for April 15, 16 and 20 to seek consensus on technical and sporting tweaks.
- Officials moved after Japan’s race highlighted risks from large speed gaps, including Oliver Bearman’s crash and cars slowing for battery recharge through Suzuka’s 130R due to software‑limited power delivery.
- McLaren confirmed Gianpiero Lambiase will join in 2028 as Director of Race after Red Bull disclosed he will remain Max Verstappen’s race engineer through 2027 under his current contract.
- Teams are using the April break, created by the Bahrain and Saudi cancellations, to prepare major upgrade packages for Miami in early May in what rivals describe as a development race that could reset the order.
- The new rules have scrambled form as Mercedes swept the first three poles and wins, Aston Martin tackles vibrations and Honda power shortfalls, Red Bull says it is still learning the cars, and Williams cites weight and aero deficits.