F1 snore-fest shows new cars badly needed: Up/Down Japanese GP

Ah yes, V10 F1 – that cochlea-searing era when grand prix cars were 200mph fag packets, Bernie Ecclestone ruled the series with an iron fist and political correctness was something for the rest of the world to worry about.

And as well as that, the races were terrible. ‘90s/early ‘00s F1 cars might have looked and sounded incredible, but the grands prix were lacklustre as standard.

With far less tyre degradation than we often see now, and cars running at full blast for most of the race but unable to get close to each other due to the disruption caused by aerodynamics, V10 F1 usually treated fans to a high-speed procession every fortnight, unless the weather intervened.

There was no DRS or Pirelli wear to save you in those days. You just waited for pitstops and hoped something happened there.

It’s appropriate, then, with a return to the formula recently pondered by F1 and the FIA, that the world championship delivered a V10-style classic for the ages – the 2025 Japanese GP.

With way less tyre degradation than expected, and a Suzuka circuit which simply doesn’t have the overtaking opportunities for today’s massive, downforce-dominated cars, everyone just ran around looking forward to the one and only pitstop.

Is it the track’s problem? Criticism for processions is levelled not only at Monaco (the main offender), but also Spa and other circuits of a certain vintage.

No, it’s the fault of the huge, heavy cars F1 now utilises. They’re set to get slightly smaller and lighter in 2026, but will still have more heft than the 2017-2021 machines.

If the world championship was to bring back the bonkers V10 engines, they could be combined with small, light cars which are way less centred around aerodynamics than the ‘90s/’00s rockets even were – and then we might get some decent racing.

The fact you’d probably have to fire two-thirds of teams’ technical staff would be a slight hiccup – not that F1’s ever been a particularly caring place…

F1’s current cars – Going Down

While definitely an improvement on the previous generations of F1 cars in some senses, Suzuka showed just how limited the current generation still is.

With the dimensions of the next era looking largely the same – albeit combined with unconventional active aero – it doesn’t seem as though historic temples of speed like Suzuka will get the races they deserve any time soon.

Red Bull – Going Up

After months of being battered by poor performances and bad news stories (but still clinging onto the drivers’ title through the genius of Max Verstappen), Japan was light at end of the tunnel at last for Red Bull.

The car was just barely on a par with McLaren, and its magic Dutchman did the rest.

Without him, it’d be miles off. With him, and it looks like it just might be able to have a sniff of a title.

Yuki Tsunoda finishing 12th was the best result for the team’s second car in five races, showing just how difficult it’s been for Red Bull in that department.

Woking wobbles – Going Down

McLaren appeared to dither on strategy, hesitating over whether to give Oscar Piastri a go at Max.

Being indecisive played against the Woking squad last year. Will it be the same in 2025?

Bear facts – Going Up

Ollie Bearman has now scored points in four of the six F1 grands prix he’s ever competed in – and three of those have been for Haas.

The Ferrari junior is still just 19. Maybe the Scuderia hired the wrong Briton for the big team this year?

Ocon trouble – Going Down

Meanwhile, Haas’s French pilot got battered, starting and finishing 18th. Not good when your team-mate should be on his student gap year in South America by usual standards.

Team Willys (Frank’s words, not ours) – Going Up

For the first time in eight years, Williams has scored points in three consecutive races.

All of those have been by Alexander Albon, leaving it fifth in the championship on his efforts alone. And James ‘I’d be bappy with tenth next year’ Vowles told us this was only a holding season.

Just need Carlos Sainz to stop doing his best Logan Sargeant impression and they’re all set.

Doohan bad – Going Down

Three races, three prangs of varying severity for Jack Doohan. At least one of Alpine’s legion of reserve drivers (Ryo Hirakawa) has now moved to Haas, leaving one less guy looking over his shoulder – phew!

Stroll in the park – Going Down

Ah yes, the Lance Stroll we all know and love is back, and better than ever. Qualified last, started last.

Keep it up Lance!