Max Verstappen‘s commanding performance at the Japanese Grand Prix has sparked a debate about the evolving nature of Formula 1, raising questions about whether the championship is shifting towards prioritizing qualifying performances over race-day drama. Held at the Suzuka Circuit, the race saw Verstappen take the win after starting from pole position. He was closely followed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom commenced from their respective positions, P2 and P3.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, now an F1 broadcast analyst, expressed his disenchantment with the race, describing it as “not worthwhile” due to the lack of on-track action. On The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner remarked that the outcome primarily relied on qualifying positions, making it less engaging for viewers, especially those like him watching late at night from North America.
Steiner’s critique reflects a growing sentiment in the F1 community, as echoed by Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. He speculated that the 2025 F1 Championship might lean towards being a “qualifying championship.” The pattern observed so far has seen race winners like Verstappen in Japan, Norris in Australia, and Piastri in China all converting pole positions into race victories. These developments underscore concerns about the diminishing role of strategy and overtaking in determining race outcomes.
With performances seemingly dictated from the outset, the season’s races have offered limited instances of overtaking or tire strategy, apart from the rain-impacted Melbourne Grand Prix. This has furthered the view that securing pole position is disproportionately advantageous, as it minimizes tire degradation, thanks in part to the reduced impact of dirty air.
The unfolding situation poses significant questions for teams and race organizers, emphasizing the need to potentially reassess competitive dynamics to maintain the excitement and unpredictability that fans traditionally associate with F1. As the season progresses, teams will need to adapt their approaches, while discussions about the championship’s current trajectory intensify.
