F1, qualifying is not convincing
Suzuka is traditionally considered one of the most demanding testing grounds for drivers. It is a complete track, universally recognized as one of the most beautiful in the World Championship. Those who are fast in qualifying very often win the GP due to limited overtaking opportunities, and for this reason as well, those who want pole must take an extra risk in iconic sections like the snake, the Spoon and 130R. This morning we witnessed something totally different.
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The qualifying of this Formula 1 is a cry of pain. Where talent should emerge and risk should be rewarded, in a totally counter-intuitive way the opposite aspect prevails, that management that should not find a place in F1, at least on Saturdays. The characteristics imposed by the current regulations have reduced the weight of driving in high-speed corners, and the difference between drivers seems to derive more from the ability to avoid mistakes than from the search for the limit.
Norris’s words
Now the drivers are trying to make their voices heard: the only ones who cannot do so (for reasons of opportunity) are those from Mercedes, but it is clear that this Saturday pleases no one. Max Verstappen started, everyone else is following him, starting with Lando Norris: “Well, if I compare it to previous years, I certainly don’t feel the same enjoyment driving here. It still hurts your heart to see your speed drop so much“, this was the comment from the world champion.
“The feeling is still special, because it remains that of always being at the limit despite being 56 km/h slower on the straight. But it’s not as exciting as 2025, and I don’t think any track ever will be. Better get used to it…“, he concluded. The hope, of the drivers and the majority of fans, is that the spring break brings wisdom to F1.
