P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA has reportedly moved to outlaw a Formula 1 qualifying tactic used by Mercedes and Red Bull-powered teams to gain a small but valuable performance edge at the end of a lap. The trick is centred on energy deployment during qualifying. Normally, drivers must gradually reduce electrical power as they approach the timing line, […]
The FIA has reportedly banned a Formula 1 qualifying tactic used by Mercedes and Red Bull-powered teams to gain a performance edge at the end of a lap. This tactic involved deploying extra power by shutting down the MGU-K briefly. The loophole allowed for a small but valuable burst of power, which could impact tight qualifying battles. The ban was prompted by concerns about reliability and safety raised by incidents during practice sessions. The FIA’s updated technical guidance now restricts the use of the MGU-K shutdown function to genuine technical issues only, eliminating the loophole. Gaining an advantage in qualifying will now be even more challenging for teams, potentially leading to closer competition at the front of the grid.
