Discussion about the Monza test diminishes as the FIA makes adjustments to energy regulations.

      A minor modification to energy management

      Discussions in the Suzuka paddock regarding a potential test organized by Ferrari at Monza are quickly subsiding, due to pushback from competing teams and recent intervention from the FIA concerning Formula 1’s contentious rules for 2026. With the Gulf races in April canceled, an unexpected hole has appeared in the schedule—fueling speculation that Ferrari might utilize this period for additional practice and invite other teams to participate.

      Team principal Frederic Vasseur commented on the upcoming break: "Following this race, we will also have a month in Maranello, which will be critical for analyzing the data gathered from the first three races and further developing the car in the right direction." Monza was suggested as a potential location, as teams and fans still navigate the significant lift-and-coast and energy management challenges that have characterized the initial events of this new phase.

      However, the proposal seems unlikely to move forward. Competing teams, including Mercedes—currently in a strong position—along with Aston Martin, Williams, and McLaren, are reportedly hesitant to endorse additional testing. Concurrently, discussions about potential regulatory adjustments, particularly regarding qualifying, have taken place, resulting in some changes.

      On Thursday, the FIA announced that a minor change in energy management will be implemented for qualifying at Suzuka, following discussions with all teams and power unit manufacturers. The maximum allowable energy recharge has been lowered from 9 megajoules to 8, intended to curb excessive harvesting and lessen the need for drivers to lift and coast on straightaways.

      "This adjustment incorporates feedback from drivers and teams," stated the FIA, "who have highlighted the importance of ensuring that qualifying remains a performance challenge." The governing body mentioned that further conversations are already scheduled as the sport continues to address early criticisms of the new regulations.

      Max Verstappen has been among the most vocal critics, although he seems largely unfazed by the recent changes. While Formula 1 was engaged in discussions on solutions, Verstappen took the opportunity to test a Red Bull-liveried Super GT Nissan at Fuji earlier this week, further advancing his growing activities outside of Formula 1.

      Aston Martin simulator driver Dani Juncadella, Verstappen's teammate in his Nordschleife GT3 team, noted that the reigning world champion has consistently expressed his concerns from the outset. "He’s been very straightforward in his opinions," Juncadella told Diario Sport. "Since the preseason, he’s been warning us that the situation looked very dire, and he was absolutely correct."

      Juncadella believes the current trajectory threatens to undermine the driver's role. "There were instances where overtakes occurred in places that typically weren’t possible," he explained. "However, if you look deeper, it's because the engine is limiting performance. They overtake, but not due to driver skill. Now they’re behaving more like managers than actual drivers."