F1 drivers have reacted cautiously to a rule tweak reducing energy recharge in qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. The FIA, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford, Audi, and Honda agreed to cut the permitted energy recharge from 9.0 to 8.0 megajoules per lap. This aims to curb excessive 'lifting and coasting' or 'super clipping', where drivers coast before corners to recharge the battery.

While the goal is to make qualifying laps faster and more aggressive, drivers like Charles Leclerc believe it's unlikely a 'game changer'. Lando Norris expects it to eliminate some tactics but shift others. George Russell calls it a 'small detail' with minimal impact. Max Verstappen remains skeptical, hoping for closer-to-flat-out laps. The change comes amid broader 2026 car regulations altering driving styles and overtaking dynamics.