FIA ban clever Mercedes and Red Bull F1 engine trick - report

The FIA has banned a clever qualifying trick employed by Mercedes and Red Bull that allowed their cars to gain significant speed advantages at the end of qualifying laps.

The quirk was used as part of a finding amid the regulation overhaul this year, which saw the introduction of brand new power units.

According to The Race, Red Bull and Mercedes had discovered a method to circumvent mandatory power reduction requirements that normally force cars to reduce energy deployment by 50kW per second as they approach the timing line. 

Instead of following this 'ramp down' protocol, they maintained maximum deployment for longer periods, delivering advantages of 50-100kW over competitors whose power was being systematically reduced.

The trick exploited regulations allowing teams to shut down the MGU-K during technical emergencies. 

Whilst this provision was designed to prevent component damage during genuine problems, Mercedes and Red Bull realised they could activate it strategically. 

Although using this shutdown normally triggers a 60-second lockout period that would be devastating during races or most qualifying situations, teams discovered it could be beneficial on the final sector run to the line, as the subsequent slow-down lap didn't require MGU-K power.

The practice created safety concerns that came to light during the Japanese Grand Prix as Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Max Verstappen both experienced power losses that left them going very slowly through corners, whilst Williams' Alexander Albon was forced to stop entirely during practice due to complications from the system.

According to the report from The Race, Ferrari raised concerns about the safety implications.

The FIA has now seemingly issued updated technical directives making clear that MGU-K shutdowns must only be used for legitimate emergencies, not systematic performance enhancement.