The attention of everyone involved in Formula 1 is currently focused on the Japanese Grand Prix, where the first green light at the end of the Suzuka pit lane will switch on Friday. It is a crucial race — the third round of the 2026 Formula 1 world championship — and one that will provide a clear snapshot of the competitive order.
Formula 1 heads to Suzuka
Will Mercedes still be leading the field? Has Ferrari managed to close the gap to the W17? And where do the other teams stand? Has McLaren solved the major issues that emerged dramatically in the Chinese Grand Prix, where neither of the MCL40 cars even started? And will Red Bull be able to give Max Verstappen a more reliable car that is less affected by understeer? These are the key questions heading into Suzuka, along with ongoing discussions about the management of the active wings on the Mercedes W17.
However, teams are already looking ahead to what comes next: the month of April, which is set to become a forced break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Several teams have begun putting pressure on the FIA, requesting special exemptions that would allow them to run cars on track and accumulate mileage during this period.
F1: is the April break an opportunity for Ferrari?
Ferrari, in particular, is believed to be pushing strongly in this direction. Naturally, such a request would not only benefit the Maranello-based team but the entire grid, as it would be a regulated opening available to all competitors. The aim is to return to the track to test specific components, especially in relation to energy management.
Ferrari is expected to carry out a filming day at Monza, a circuit known for being particularly demanding in terms of energy recovery. However, Maranello would like this session to go beyond the standard 200-kilometre limit and potentially extend over multiple days, allowing for more in-depth work on the system. This approach could also be adopted by other teams, particularly those based in the United Kingdom, who might use tracks such as Silverstone, or central European venues like Paul Ricard, to carry out similar testing programs.
At the moment, Formula 1 teams are attempting to secure these exemptions, but there is nothing concrete yet and no immediate solution in sight. It is likely that informal discussions will take place in Japan, as no official meeting on the matter has been scheduled.
On the other hand, beyond the benefits of returning to the track, there is also the option of using this period to focus exclusively on factory work. This viewpoint has been expressed by Aston Martin’s Mike Krack, whose team is currently facing difficulties. He highlighted how spending more time at the factory, without constant travel, could help teams develop their systems through simulators, CFD tools, and test benches. In the case of Aston Martin and Honda, work is also focused on dynamic test rigs, particularly as their power unit has shown several areas of concern.
For now, there is no official direction, but it is clear that Formula 1 wants to turn the forced April break into an opportunity. Two fewer races mean more time to develop and lower travel costs, even if sponsorship-related revenues could be affected. It remains, however, a valuable chance to address and refine the weaknesses that have emerged in the opening phase of the season — whether on track or back at the factory.
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