Technical analyst Paolo Filisetti takes a look at what Mercedes and Red Bull were really up to with their now-banned power unit trick.
The FIA has banned a tactic used by Mercedes and Red Bull in qualifying to maximize the MGU-K power output on the final straight of a flying lap due to safety concerns.
Mercedes and Red Bull were using an emergency shutdown mode for the MGU-K to bypass the linear reduction of electrical power mandated by regulations.
Activating the total shutdown mode allowed them to have full electric power until the finish line, but it resulted in a one-minute cut-off of electric power during the deceleration lap back to the pits.
While the regulation was technically followed, the FIA believed the spirit of the rule was disregarded, prompting the ban on this tactic.
Teams are now focusing on refining energy management and charging modes to comply with regulations and improve performance in the early stages of the season.
