FIA Bans Ingenious Mercedes and Red Bull F1 Engine Technique: Report
The FIA has moved to ban a qualifying engine tactic employed by Mercedes and Red Bull. Filmogaz.com reported teams used the method to gain end-of-lap speed advantages.
Filmogaz.com’s report described an ingenious F1 engine technique used by Mercedes and Red Bull. Regulators say it delivered measurable power gains during the final sector.
How the trick worked
The tactic appeared after this year’s regulation overhaul introduced new power units. Teams circumvented a mandated ramp down that reduces energy deployment by 50 kW per second approaching the timing line.
Mercedes and Red Bull kept maximum energy deployment for longer than allowed. That produced 50–100 kW advantages over rivals on final runs.
How the rules were exploited
The loophole relied on emergency provisions that permit MGU-K shutdowns. A normal shutdown imposes a 60-second lockout that would be damaging in race conditions.
Teams discovered timing the shutdown on the final sector could avoid the lockout penalty. The subsequent slow-down lap did not require MGU-K power.
Safety concerns and incidents
The approach triggered safety alarms at the Japanese Grand Prix. Filmogaz.com detailed multiple incidents linked to the system.
- Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli suffered power loss and was very slow through some corners.
- Red Bull’s Max Verstappen experienced similar sudden power issues on a run.
- Williams’ Alexander Albon was forced to stop entirely during practice.
- Ferrari raised formal concerns about the safety implications to officials.
FIA response
The FIA issued updated technical directives to close the loophole. They clarified MGU-K shutdowns must be used only for legitimate emergencies.
Officials stated the system cannot be employed for systematic performance enhancement. Teams must adjust qualifying strategies under the new guidance.
The measures aim to protect safety and sporting fairness. Enforcement will determine how teams adapt to the clarified rules.
