Formula 1 heads into a scheduled five-week break with much to reflect on following Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit.

The third race of the sport’s new engine era has highlighted limitations in the recent rules overhaul—touted as one of the most comprehensive in F1 history—in ways not as evident in the opening rounds in Albert Park Circuit and Shanghai International Circuit.

Under the updated regulations, the hybrid power units now operate with an almost even split between electric and combustion power. This has introduced a greater emphasis on energy management during races, creating new technical and tactical demands for drivers.

Competitors are increasingly required to use techniques such as “lift and coast,” where they ease off the throttle earlier than usual and allow the car to coast into corners. This helps the combustion engine recharge the battery. Drivers are also dealing with “super-clipping,” a system in which energy is automatically diverted from the engine to the battery, resulting in a reduction in power output even when the throttle is fully applied.

Describing the impact of these challenges, some drivers have expressed frustration, with the experience said to “hurt your soul” due to the loss of performance at critical moments.

The sport’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, has indicated that discussions will take place during the upcoming break in April. This pause follows the cancellation of races in Bahrain International Circuit and Jeddah Corniche Circuit due to regional conflict.

The FIA had already implemented adjustments to the energy management rules to allow drivers to push harder during qualifying in Suzuka. However, it acknowledged that any further changes will require thorough evaluation.

“Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis,” the FIA said in a statement, signalling that the evolution of the regulations is ongoing.

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion for Red Bull Racing, admitted he was “beyond frustrated” after qualifying and even suggested he was reconsidering his future in the sport, citing a lack of enjoyment with the current generation of cars.

“It still hurts your soul when you see your speed dropping so much, 56 kph down the straight,” said Lando Norris, the reigning champion for McLaren Formula 1 Team, reflecting on the challenges posed by the new regulations.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion driving for Aston Martin Formula One Team, was critical of how much the sport has changed, bluntly stating that “driver skill is not really needed anymore.” He had previously joked during pre-season testing in Bahrain that even the team’s chef could now handle the car.

Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari also voiced frustration, particularly when dealing with the complex algorithm that governs energy deployment and recovery. The system can be disrupted by small, unintended inputs—such as easing off the throttle to correct a slide—leaving drivers unexpectedly short of power at crucial moments.

While the new regulations may have reduced the intensity of traditional “white-knuckle” qualifying laps, they have introduced more dynamic racing. Drivers are now frequently overtaking and defending positions as cars alternate between deploying and harvesting electrical energy.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has enjoyed a strong resurgence after a difficult first season with Ferrari, has been among those praising the improved racing spectacle created by the new rules.

However, concerns were raised after a dramatic incident involving Oliver Bearman during Sunday’s race. The crash highlighted potential safety risks linked to significant speed differentials between cars. As Bearman approached Franco Colapinto, there was an approximate 50 kph difference in speed. Attempting to avoid contact, Bearman moved left, ran onto the grass, struck a marker board, and lost control at around 308 kph.

The incident has intensified calls for regulatory review, with Carlos Sainz—a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association—among the most vocal advocates for change.

At the same time, Toto Wolff, team principal of dominant Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, suggested that some of the criticism following qualifying may have been exaggerated. James Vowles, team principal of Williams Racing, acknowledged the need to enhance qualifying but stressed that it should not come at the expense of competitive racing.