Formula 1 drivers barely touch the brakes at Suzuka as new hybrid systems transform the circuit's Esses section. The MGU-K now serves as a primary braking device, slowing cars through medium-speed corners while harvesting energy. This represents a fundamental shift in driving approach at the iconic Japanese track, where brake pedal usage has become minimal compared to previous seasons.

With limited heavy braking zones at Suzuka, teams must maximize energy recovery. The FIA reduced allowable energy harvest from 9 MJ to 8 MJ to combat excessive lift-and-coast techniques. Teams face strategic decisions about where to deploy energy, with some conserving power through the first sector while others spend aggressively to carry higher speed into corners.

Red Bull and McLaren, with superior downforce, rely less on mechanical braking. Ferrari and Mercedes, facing grip deficits, use both pedals more aggressively. Carlos Sainz expressed concerns: "It's not a disaster, but it's not like before. F1 shouldn't be like this." The driving style varies significantly between teams based on their aerodynamic packages.

The approach to 130R has evolved, with cars reaching peak speeds over 20 km/h earlier but experiencing longer deceleration phases. Despite the changes in technique, cornering speeds through Suzuka's famous corners remain comparable to previous years. The electric motor's role has fundamentally altered the racing experience at this historic circuit.