AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Oliver Bearman slams FIA’s new qualifying rules: ‘there are better ways to achieve this’

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
March 26, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0

Oliver Bearman Slams FIA's Controversial Rule Change Ahead of Japanese Grand Prix!

In a fiery critique that’s sending shockwaves through the motorsport world, Formula 1 rising star Oliver Bearman has taken a stand against a crucial rule change implemented by the FIA for the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka circuit. Bearman argues there are “better ways of achieving the same thing” than the newly reduced energy recharge limit, which has plummeted from 9.0 megajoules (MJ) down to 8.0 MJ.

The Suzuka circuit, known for its unforgiving demands on power and energy management, is expected to witness extreme lift-and-coast tactics and super clipping during qualifying. With this new regulation, the FIA is attempting to tackle these challenges, but is it really the solution drivers need? Charles Leclerc has already voiced skepticism, declaring that these changes won’t be a “game-changer.”

Bearman, who races for Haas, didn't hold back, stating: “I mean, it’s just making us even slower. On one hand, we don’t have to do any lift and coast anymore, which is probably a bit better for us… But we still have to recharge the energy, and we spend a lot of time just with no energy because we’re losing one megajoule compared to what we had on the sim and prior to coming here. I think there are better ways of achieving the same thing.”

The young Briton proposed a radical idea: allowing drivers to super clip up to the full limit of 350kW, a concept previously trialed by the FIA. He explained, “If we could harvest at negative 350 kilowatts while on full throttle, I think it would make everyone’s lives a bit easier.” This bold assertion underscores his belief that the current regulations may be inadvertently hindering performance rather than enhancing it.

Compounding the issue, Bearman reflected on the puzzling dynamics of the new qualifying format. He recounted his experience in China, where despite executing flawless cornering, he ended up slower on his final lap due to the car's baffling response to his driving style. “I think there have been some moments where… I actually went slower by like two tenths because sometimes actually going faster in the corners and picking up throttle earlier, it confuses the car and you end up losing outright lap time, which is really strange,” he lamented.

This conundrum, he argues, is not just a minor inconvenience but a significant flaw in the FIA’s approach. The reliance on software in modern power units means that any deviation from expected behavior—such as pushing harder during qualifying—can lead to catastrophic losses in lap time. “It can be three percent off throttle, and that can finish your lap basically,” Bearman warned, sharing that he experienced a frustrating two-tenths loss down the back straight due to this issue.

As the FIA grapples with the implications of these new regulations, Bearman’s calls for more driver input and less dependence on technology are becoming more urgent. “There are those corners, there’s one more or less on every track, where you have to be a bit careful and sometimes drive under the limit, but still, that’s not what we want to do as drivers, particularly in qualifying,” he said, emphasizing the inherent conflict between pushing the limits and adhering to restrictive rules.

Despite the challenges, Bearman remains hopeful for future improvements, stating, “I think we can do better with what we have, and I hope that this weekend is already a step in that direction.” He also acknowledged the FIA’s receptiveness to feedback, expressing optimism for collaborative efforts moving forward.

As the motorsport community braces for what’s to come at Suzuka, one thing is clear: the debate over FIA’s rule changes is far from over, and with drivers like Bearman at the helm, the push for a more competitive and driver-friendly Formula 1 is poised to shake the very foundations of the sport. Buckle up, fans—this season is about to get thrilling!

Tags: formula-1-enHaasjapanese-grand-prixOliver Bearman
Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Motorsports

Max Verstappen demands journalist’s exit before press conference: the tension ignites again

Tensions Erupt at Japan GP: Max Verstappen Demands Journalist's Exit to Begin Press Conference In a dramatic turn of events...

by Harry Bright
March 26, 2026
Esteban Ocon confronts online hate after Franco Colapinto clash: a call for respect
Motorsports

Esteban Ocon confronts online hate after Franco Colapinto clash: a call for respect

Esteban Ocon Faces Online Fury: Death Threats Erupt After Controversial Collision with Franco Colapinto In a shocking turn of events...

by Simon Monroy
March 26, 2026
Jenson Button praises Fernando Alonso’s enduring spirit: ‘he’s the same as 10 years ago’
Motorsports

Jenson Button praises Fernando Alonso’s enduring spirit: ‘he’s the same as 10 years ago’

Title: Jenson Button Hails Fernando Alonso’s Unwavering Spirit: "The Same as 10 Years Ago!" In a thrilling revelation that has...

by Carl Harrison
March 26, 2026
Motorsports

Red Bull’s Mekies declares war on Mercedes: no one is backing down in 2026 showdown

Red Bull Racing's bold fightback: No fear from the Mercedes power gap! In a jaw-dropping admission, Red Bull Racing's team...

by Carl Smith
March 26, 2026

Recent News

Max Verstappen demands journalist’s exit before press conference: the tension ignites again

March 26, 2026

Oliver Bearman slams FIA’s new qualifying rules: ‘there are better ways to achieve this’

March 26, 2026
Esteban Ocon confronts online hate after Franco Colapinto clash: a call for respect

Esteban Ocon confronts online hate after Franco Colapinto clash: a call for respect

March 26, 2026
Jenson Button praises Fernando Alonso’s enduring spirit: ‘he’s the same as 10 years ago’

Jenson Button praises Fernando Alonso’s enduring spirit: ‘he’s the same as 10 years ago’

March 26, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.