Formula 1 qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix will run under revised energy management rules after the FIA reduced the maximum allowed energy recovery.

Drivers will now be limited to harvesting 8.0 megajoules of energy per lap in qualifying, down from the previously planned 9.0 MJ. The decision was made to reduce so-called “super clipping”, a situation where drivers remain flat out but cannot deploy full power due to energy limits.

The issue became visible earlier this season, particularly in Melbourne, where drivers had to manage energy well before braking zones. This created unnatural speed profiles and reduced the challenge of pushing at the limit. Similar concerns were raised in China, where some drivers felt that taking more risks was actually penalised.

After discussions between teams, drivers and power unit manufacturers, it was agreed that qualifying needed adjustments, even if the races themselves remain largely unaffected.

Although the FIA usually has to give teams four weeks’ notice for such changes, new simulations for Suzuka showed the problem could be even more pronounced at the Japanese circuit. As a result, the governing body decided to act immediately.

According to the FIA, the goal is to keep qualifying as a true test of performance, with less lift-and-coast and more natural driving at the limit.