TECH WEEKLY: Why we could be looking at a very different Japanese Grand Prix in 2026

The tyre demands around Suzuka at this weekend's Japanese Grand prix are going to be intriguing in this new formula.

Traditionally Suzuka, with its many long-duration corners, has inflicted high thermal degradation upon the tyres (making two-stopping the usual prime strategy) and Pirelli this weekend will bring their toughest three compounds, C1, C2 and C3.

The limitation has always been quite delicately balanced between the front and rear axles. The fronts get a severe work-out through the Esses sequence, with high steering input and very little recovery time between turns, then a further punishment through the big lock required at Degner 2 and the hairpin.