Technical analyst Paolo Filisetti breaks down everything you need to know about the latest F1 buzzword: ‘Super-clipping’.
Battery charging in F1 was the dominant theme of pre-season testing, with ‘super-clipping’ emerging as a potential game-changer for energy harvesting without disrupting on-track competition. This method allows the engine to harvest electrical energy at full throttle, recapturing 250kw efficiently with the new improved batteries. Teams are increasingly adopting super-clipping as it enables a seamless energy recovery process, unlike lift and coast, ensuring a smoother, safer driving experience. This technique, utilized in specific track sections, helps maintain the car’s straight-line speed and active aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving overall performance. Despite discussions to raise the super-clipping limit to 350kw, there are reservations among teams, as any rule change could impact the competitive balance and favor teams with superior power unit solutions. Yet, the potential safety benefits and enhanced driving dynamics may ultimately sway the FIA to implement the change.
