F1 targets qualifying fixes
Team principals met to review the 2026 regulations and agreed qualifying should be the next focus to tackle 'lift and coast' tactics on flying laps (motorsport.com). Jonathan Wheatley suggested Max Verstappen’s public criticisms reflect where Red Bull currently finds itself on track, a theme echoed in paddock commentary and raising pressure on potential tweaks ( ).
Technical chiefs will not implement emergency fixes immediately and are set to assess a three-race data set with Suzuka as the pivot, with a technical-directors meeting scheduled the fortnight after the Japanese Grand Prix. (coffeecornermotorsport.com) Three concrete technical options being discussed in the paddock to blunt qualifying “lift‑and‑coast” are: cutting MGU‑K peak output, raising the so‑called ‘super‑clipping’ threshold (proposals cited include moving from 250kW toward 350kW), and loosening the fuel‑flow restriction. (coffeecornermotorsport.com) Under the 2026 power‑unit rules the MGU‑K peak has moved from roughly 120kW to about 350kW while battery capacity stayed largely unchanged, producing a near 50/50 ICE/electric split that forces intensive energy management on a lap‑by‑lap basis. (coffeecornermotorsport.com) Teams report that the current energy dynamics can create speed differentials of about 30–50 km/h between cars depending on battery state, a performance swing that has been raised as both a sporting and safety concern by team principals and ex‑drivers. (coffeecornermotorsport.com) Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley — formerly Red Bull’s sporting director — publicly suggested Max Verstappen’s caustic comments stem in part from Red Bull’s competitive position this year rather than solely from the rules themselves, remarks published on March 18–19, 2026. (motorsport.com) Paddock reporting names early May’s Miami weekend as the target window for any urgent, short‑term tweak if consensus emerges, while several team bosses insist any permanent change should wait until the post‑Suzuka technical review. (coffeecornermotorsport.com)
