The thrill of qualifying: Is Suzuka becoming the new Monaco?

The thrill of qualifying: Is Suzuka becoming the new Monaco?
In the world of Formula 1, the excitement often hinges on the dramatic moments of qualifying. This was particularly evident during the recent Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, where the race unfolded with minimal overtaking, leading many to draw parallels with the infamous Monaco Grand Prix. As Max Verstappen cruised to victory from pole position, the question arose: has Suzuka become another track where success is dictated by Saturday’s performance?

The qualifying conundrum

Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion, voiced concerns about the lack of overtaking at Suzuka, stating, “I don’t remember a race when we saw too many overtakes here without the weather changing.” His remarks highlight a growing trend in F1, where the thrill of the race on Sunday often pales in comparison to the adrenaline rush of qualifying on Saturday. With the current regulations nearing their end, teams have found ways to optimize their cars for qualifying, leading to a situation where the starting grid is crucial for race success.

Comparisons with Monaco

Alonso’s comparison of Suzuka to Monaco is not without merit. Both tracks are renowned for their challenging layouts and the glamour associated with their race weekends. However, the lack of overtaking opportunities has led to a perception that these races can be somewhat uneventful. As Alonso pointed out, the excitement of the weekend often diminishes by Sunday, with fans lamenting, “Monaco is boring” or “Suzuka is boring.” This sentiment raises questions about the future of these iconic circuits in the F1 calendar.

Looking ahead: Solutions for more excitement

In an effort to combat the overtaking drought, F1 has introduced new regulations for the 2025 season, including mandatory pit stops aimed at increasing race dynamics. However, as Alonso noted, the challenge lies in balancing tire performance and grip levels. The 2024 season saw a significant drop in overtakes, with 70 fewer than the previous year, despite the addition of two extra races. This trend raises concerns about the potential for a “qualifying championship” if teams continue to struggle with overtaking during races.

As F1 heads into a triple-header with races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia following Suzuka, the focus will be on how teams adapt to these challenges. The excitement of qualifying remains a highlight, but the sport must find ways to enhance the racing spectacle on Sundays. With the right adjustments, Suzuka can reclaim its status as a thrilling venue, rather than a mere footnote in the qualifying narrative.