Hamilton, Russell criticize 'not great' F1 super-clipping at Japanese GP

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have joined a chorus of drivers criticizing Formula 1's 'super-clipping' phenomenon, calling the energy-harvesting tactic detrimental to the spectacle at iconic circuits like Suzuka. Meanwhile, Honda reports progress on its power unit vibration issues with Aston Martin, and Red Bull continues to grapple with fundamental problems that left Max Verstappen describing a fix as needing a "miracle."

Why it matters:

The widespread driver criticism highlights a significant tension in the 2026 regulations between technical energy management and pure racing performance. When drivers are forced to lift and coast on some of the world's most challenging corners to recharge batteries, it undermines the very essence of driver skill and fan excitement that circuits like Suzuka are famous for. Simultaneously, the ongoing struggles for Honda and Red Bull underscore the immense technical challenge of the new era, where reliability and drivability are as critical as outright pace.

The details:

• Super-Clipping Criticism: Footage from Max Verstappen's car in FP1 showed him losing nearly 50 kph through the high-speed 130R corner and onto the straight due to super-clipping—recharging the battery at full throttle. Hamilton labeled the effect "not great," while Oliver Bearman lamented the loss of "balls to the wall" commitment at a driver's circuit.
• A Rule Change & Calls for More: In response, the FIA reduced the permitted energy deployment for qualifying at Suzuka from 9MJ to 8MJ. George Russell argued the change did not go far enough, stating a more drastic reduction was needed to properly address the issue and improve the qualifying show.
• Honda's Vibration Update: Honda's trackside chief, Shintaro Orihara, reported the team had "obtained useful data" to help reduce troublesome vibrations in its power unit, a key issue in its rocky start with works team Aston Martin. This is a crucial development for the Japanese manufacturer at its home grand prix.
• Red Bull's Deep-Rooted Issues: Despite bringing upgrades, Red Bull endured another difficult day. Max Verstappen spoke of "big problems" with the RB22, suggesting a fix would require a "miracle." Team principal Laurent Mekies promised drivers Verstappen and Isack Hadjar that the team would get on top of these "fundamental issues."

What's next:

All eyes will be on whether the reduced energy limit for qualifying successfully mitigates the super-clipping spectacle and allows for a more representative, flat-out session. The race will further test the durability and energy management of all cars. For Honda and Aston Martin, the weekend represents a critical opportunity to build on their vibration data and score a positive result. For Red Bull, the pressure mounts to find solutions quickly, as their competitive slump shows no immediate signs of abating.