P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA banning a F1 engine trick used by Mercedes and Red Bull has even been welcomed by one of the drivers who gained from it
The FIA’s decision to ban a Formula 1 qualifying trick used by Mercedes and Red Bull has been supported by a driver who both benefited from it and faced its safety risks. It was confirmed before the Miami Grand Prix that the loophole allowing teams to bypass power limits in qualifying laps would no longer be permitted. By cutting off the MGU-K with an emergency mode, teams avoided reducing energy deployment towards the end of the lap, but it sidelined the MGU-K for 60 seconds, leaving drivers without battery power. This tactic led to safety concerns when unexpected situations arose, causing cars to slow down unexpectedly on track. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli welcomed the FIA’s intervention, acknowledging the safety risks and potential penalties associated with using the loophole, despite the slight time gain it provided. He expressed relief that future races will not feature this tactic, prioritizing safety over minimal performance gains. Drivers like Alex Albon and Max Verstappen have also faced challenges due to the loophole, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a level playing field and driver safety in Formula 1.
