Apparently, as of yesterday's FIA gathering about 2026 power unit tech regulations, a change was made in the rules that previously prevented a boost mode for passing, enabling an indycar like push to pass.. Not clear yet but it's possible there may be a push to pass from 2026 onwards (not saying if it's on top of DRS or instead of, I hope instead of)

I heard recently (on a YouTube video, so consider the source), that F1 was considering a Push-to-Pass scenario for inclusion in the next year or two. My understanding, however, was that it would be enabled through boosting the electrical energy output for the increased speed.

I’m confused, how do they use their battery now?

I think that is a good question. My understanding is that the objective is too charge and mostly deplete the battery once each lap. The battery is not only charged by the brakes, it is used to reverse power the engine during braking and receiving a charge in return. So, IOW, enhanced engine braking to the rear wheels.

It has to be complicated to the point that few understand the whole process. Maybe Capt. Ahab, but not me.

If they were to reprogram the battery power system it would seem possible to hold back some of that 160 HP boost (what I read) and use it not automatically, but intentionally at points where the driver wishes an extra boost. I guess that comes at a cost to the overall boost each lap or more battery capacity divided between what type of boost.

If the rumor above about hydrogen powered engines proves to be true, the battery as we know it today may be eliminated thusly reducing the complexity of the powertrain.

I'm all for that.

Zeke, I'm one of the many that don't fully understand how F1 battery charging/discharging stratergy works

It's too complicated for me, what I do know for 2026 braking alone won't be enough to keep the battery fully charged so the ICE will be running hard, not under heavy loads but running high RPM to keep the charging cycle longer duration than now

After the incoming 2026-2030 generation of 50% electrical/50% sustainable fuel F1 hybrid power units is over

The planned replacement power unit won't be full EV, or even a higher % EV but full fat hydrogen only ICE ie no battery as combined weight and volume is just too heavy and too big for an F1 car

Wahoo, only 2464 sleeps to go and we have screaming engines back, oh lord, please let there be NA V10's again, I'd come out of retirement to work on V10's

How big does a Hydrogen tank need to be to last a race?

a kiloton would probably do it.

I tried this search, "what is the size of a kiloton of compressed hydrogen gas?"
Nothing.

Wow, 17y old Kimi Antonelli is going to test a mercedes in April at the red bull ring, a 2022 car per the rules. Looks like Toto wants to know quickly if he wil be ready (before calling Alonso ;-)

He'll end up replacing Ham...at Ferrari.

The fabulous Suzuka track is up this weekend.

FP-2 was super boring. Almost no running due to slightly wet conditions, and limited supply of intermediate tires that may be needed for the rest of the weekend.

Paul, around 2005-6 I got to visit Suzuka when I worked for Honda F1

It's a spectacular track, walked the full length, elevation changes and sweeping corners must really flow well in an F1 car at speed

Got to help with 3 or 4 pit stops too, was disappointed I didn't crap myself as time slowed down in my head as the car dived in for fuel and tyres, sort of like when you're on your way to a car, motorbike, skiing accident :)

Already crapped my pants that weekend, when I was called to the back of the garage after 1st practice to be shown a rear wing assembly with a failed centre carbon support. :eek:

Had to think fast, on that one, we had a composite NDT inspector from an aircraft manufacturer expressed down on the bullet train. I really put the poor guy on the spot, under a lot of pressure, home team might not be racing if we can't manage the problem. I needed very quickly to understand his level of skill/experience to be confident he knew his stuff, as we would be risking both drivers lives if the wrong call was made. Gave him a test, he passed, we went racing, not sure who was more relieved, me, the NDT inspector, team principle, both drivers or the head of Honda motorsport :D

I'm in Japan now, sadly won't be at the race, have enjoyed spending half of the last 6 months working here, been super busy, fast tracking the learning/knowledge of some very clever, young engineers on how to do good composite design for mototsport

Amazing country, huge modified car centric culture, lovely/polite people and great food. Japan is made my top 5 list of favourite countries to spend time in

If a visit to Japan is not on anyone's bucket list, it really needs to be, best way of describing being hete is it's like visiting another planet or being in the original Blade Runner film

Question for the Captain: Logan Sargeant made some comment that he's driving the tub crashed by Albon partially because it would take too long to switch the cars back to their original driver configurations. I took that to mean Williams would have to switch the crashed tub back to specs to fit Albon, and switch the uncrashed tub back to fit Sargeant.

OK, I don't get/buy that. Other than the seats and maybe pedal positions, how difficult is it to switch the cars from driver to driver? It didn't seem to take that long to switch Albon into Sargeant's car in Australia.

Hey Noah, good question,

Pedals, seat, head rest and steering wheel make a chassis specifific to a driver, all are simple bolt on parts to fit or adjust

As cars are flown from to Japan from the last race, the luxury of setting the suspension, dampers, steering, brakes, aero, gearbox/engine stratergy etc isn't an option, time is precious at the track so if the repaired chassis arrives just in time, I'd imagine having to do full set ups from scratch on both cars is just too much work to be confidently done without any mistakes being made or compromising race weekend preparations

I read the repaired chassis only weighs 100g more so not really a biggie on the total weight, what might be an issue is if the un-repaired side is a different stiffness to the undamaged side, worst case it could cause some handling issues so better you let the slower driver find out/have that problem

Hope this answers your question

I am loving Sainz is beating Charles in qually . There is an internet rumor that Audi/Sauber have made a contract offer to Sainz and he has until mid April to decide . I hope that rumor is true and he accepts . Building a works team around him would be a smart decision .

I think this year Sargeant/Zhou/Stroll/K Mag will be let go . Danny Ric also possible . Too many good rookies in the mix to put up with mediocre performances . Unless reliability rears it's ugly head this race will be over by lap 5 .

Yes another same as it always was qualifying.

I love the Suzuka track, it will be an interesting race (I hope) as I think strategy will be what wins it.

Captain, as always thank-you for sharing your personal F1 experiences. Thats an incredible story. Did this span over multiple practice sessions, overnight? Did he bring his own test equipment? Man, talk about no room for error.

If I win the lottery, Japan would definitely be a destination.

This fell into my bucket this morning. I've followed TTC for a year or so, and I was pleasantly surprised to see all the fun facts about F1 and F2 tire changes.

For instance, I never knew tires were glued to the rims, but it makes sense after a minute of thought. I wonder what kind of a nightmare it is to clean those rims after dismounting the tire.

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Is Danny Ric done? Or does Toro Rosso (or, to paraphrase Kimi: whatever the F they're called) give him a new tub and another chance?