FIA bans controversial engine technique ahead of Miami Grand Prix
The FIA has moved to outlaw a contentious engine technique that Mercedes and Red Bull had been deploying during qualifying sessions, with the prohibition coming into force before the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May, reports BritPanorama.
Ferrari lodged a formal request for regulatory clarification, citing safety implications related to the practice that had raised concerns following several incidents at recent races. Vehicles utilizing the method experienced significant power loss during critical moments, prompting the Italian manufacturer to take action.
The technique involved a “clever” approach enabling both Mercedes High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Powertrains to extract additional electrical energy at the end of timed laps. This manoeuvre had previously allowed drivers to discharge remaining electrical energy simultaneously rather than adhering to the mandated gradual reduction, creating a sudden power surge as cars approached the timing line.
While the additional power, estimated at between 50 and 100kW, translated to mere hundredths of a second, such margins often determine grid positions in Formula One, where races can be won or lost in the smallest increments. However, the drawbacks of the technique became evident during the Japanese Grand Prix, where Alex Albon’s Mercedes-powered Williams stalled due to a qualifying simulation, underscoring the risks associated with the manoeuvre.
The FIA initially confirmed that the technique fell within existing regulations but later cautioned manufacturers about the genuine hazards posed by its side effects. In response, Ferrari formally sought clarification regarding the safety risks, leading the governing body to revise technical guidelines for all manufacturers. These guidelines now state unequivocally that the MGU-K shutdown function may only be activated in genuine emergencies.
Officials are set to closely scrutinise telemetry data from practice and qualifying sessions to identify any teams attempting to bypass the new directive. The continued implementation of the 60-second lockout mechanism means that any squad triggering the override without demonstrating a mechanical failure will face penalties. Following the incidents and safety concerns, sources indicate that Mercedes had already ceased deploying the technique after the Japanese race, acknowledging that the marginal gains were outweighed by reliability considerations.
This ruling represents a shift in the competitive landscape as Ferrari, currently sitting second in the constructors’ standings, perceives the FIA’s intervention as a modest victory, signalling the ongoing tension between innovation and regulations within the sport.
As the teams head toward the Miami Grand Prix, the impact of these new regulations will be keenly felt, highlighting the delicate balance between speed and safety that remains a cornerstone of Formula One. The engines may roar, but the rules must govern the race.
