Damon Hill hails tactical racing at Japanese Grand Prix

1996 Formula 1 champion Damon Hill described the Japanese Grand Prix as entertaining and tactical under the new 2026 regulations. He highlighted the strategic elements like battery management that have added interest to the races. Hill praised McLaren driver Oscar Piastri's strong performance at Suzuka.

Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 world champion and former Williams driver, defended the 2026 regulations despite criticism from some drivers over the need to lift and coast for battery power. Speaking to F1 TV, Hill said: 'Listen, I think, I know that some of the drivers don't like having to slow down and charge their battery up, but I think the racing is very interesting. I think it's tactical. They're having to think, and we're getting entertained.'

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F1 drivers Gasly, Norris, and Albon discuss flaws in 2026 energy rules at Suzuka post-Japanese GP.
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Drivers highlight flaws in F1 2026 energy rules after Japanese GP

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Formula 1 drivers have criticized aspects of the 2026 regulations following the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, particularly energy management affecting qualifying and on-track battles. Alpine's Pierre Gasly called for tweaks but pushed back against excessive negativity, while McLaren's Lando Norris and Williams' Alexander Albon detailed specific issues. A review meeting is planned next week ahead of the Miami race.

In the latest chapter of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations discussion, Lewis Hamilton has praised the new rules as delivering 'what racing should be,' contrasting with earlier criticisms from Max Verstappen. Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver emphasized increased overtakes and close battles, despite recent FIA tweaks to energy management.

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1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve described the 2026 F1 regulations as entertaining but said old-school racers like himself would have disliked them. Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix, he noted the changes bring a different skill set while still rewarding top drivers. The regulations feature a near-equal split of power sources and active aerodynamics.

Formula 1 has introduced changes to its 2026 power unit regulations in response to 'yo-yo racing,' a back-and-forth style of battling driven by battery energy management. The tweaks, effective for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, reduce qualifying energy harvesting and increase super clipping power. Drivers remain divided on whether the new rules improve racing.

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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen expressed frustration with Formula 1's 2026 power unit regulations after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Norris overtook Lewis Hamilton unwillingly due to automatic battery deployment, calling it 'yo-yoing' rather than racing. Verstappen highlighted the track layout's role in making overtakes inefficient.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has cautioned against hasty changes to Formula 1's new 2026 regulations following an eventful Australian Grand Prix. The season opener featured 120 overtakes, a significant increase from 45 the previous year, amid debates over energy management and race complexity. Team leaders advocate waiting for more races before any adjustments.

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Sky Sports Formula 1 commentator David Croft has called on the FIA to adjust the 2026 regulations ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He expressed concerns that battery limitations could ruin iconic corners like Maggotts and Becketts. The rules are under review during an April break following team and driver complaints.

 

 

 

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