P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Race can reveal that a controversial engine trick used by the Mercedes and Red Bull F1 teams on qualifying laps has been banned by the FIA
The FIA has banned a speed-boosting trick used by Mercedes and Red Bull Formula 1 teams at the end of a lap, which allowed them to bypass power reduction requirements during qualifying.
By exploiting a loophole in the regulations that allowed shutting down the MGU-K for technical reasons, they could run at maximum deployment until the timing line, giving them a temporary power advantage.
Although the gain was small, it was significant in the battle for grid positions, prompting the FIA to implement measures to prevent teams from using this trick.
One such measure includes a 60-second lockout period if the MGU-K is shut down, ensuring no benefit could be gained during a race or most of a qualifying lap.
The unintended consequences of this trick were highlighted in the Japanese Grand Prix when drivers faced the risk of their cars losing power and even grinding to a halt due to the MGU-K shutdown after qualifying efforts.
These complications forced the FIA to take action and enforce stricter regulations to prevent teams from exploiting loopholes for competitive advantage in Formula 1.
