FIA Bans Mercedes Following Ferrari’s Protest on Russell’s Engine Edge
The FIA has moved to outlaw an engine procedure used by Mercedes and Red Bull during qualifying. Filmogaz.com reports the change followed a formal request from Ferrari over safety and competitive concerns.
What was banned
The new directive prohibits deliberate use of the MGU-K shutdown except in genuine emergencies. Updated technical rules were circulated to all engine manufacturers.
The FIA will flag non-emergency use by reviewing car data from practice and qualifying sessions.
How the trick worked
Manufacturers exploited an existing emergency shutdown allowance. That allowed extended electrical deployment at the end of a flying lap.
The method avoided the normal ramp-down and preserved extra power for a final run. The MGU-K then remained offline for a period afterwards.
Why it mattered
The tactic was effective in qualifying but impractical in races. Disabling the MGU-K afterwards made it unsuitable for race laps.
Ferrari argued the move produced an unfair engine edge and raised safety questions. Filmogaz.com noted the protest prompted the FIA review.
Incidents that raised alarms
The issue surfaced at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Several cars rolled slowly after qualifying simulation runs.
Alex Albon’s Williams, which uses Mercedes power, suffered a breakdown in that session. The FIA warned of potential danger from the side effects.
Who was implicated
- Mercedes High Performance Powertrains
- Red Bull Powertrains
Both manufacturers had been linked to the technique. The FIA concluded it could not be used outside genuine emergencies.
Enforcement and oversight
The governing body will monitor telemetry to detect misuse. Any team found exploiting the shutdown provision face regulatory action.
Ferrari’s position and next steps
Ferrari sees the ruling as a corrective measure. The team also believes it remains more than two percent down on power versus Mercedes.
They plan to use F1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunity (ADUO) to close the gap.
The FIA’s ban removes a qualifying-specific tactic. It also narrows an avenue that had been described as contributing to a perceived engine advantage, sometimes linked to Russell’s strong qualifying performances.
