The FIA stepped in to deal with the small engine trick that was discovered by Mercedes and Red Bull Ford for the Formula 1 qualifying in the 2026 season, following the new imposed regulation.
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A few months ago, Ferrari alerted the sport’s governing body about the small finding of the two teams in the new power unit. Information indicated that the manufacturers had discovered a way to suddenly release 350 kW of power instead of it being gradual, exploiting a system that activates if a problem in the car causes the MGU-K to shut down.
The teams used the trick a few meters before the finish line to fully use the battery and discharge it. In any case, the time gained was marginal in the qualifying laps, just a few thousandths. And according to GPblog, the gain was so small that Mercedes stopped using it already in Japan.
According to the rules for Formula 1 in 2026, to avoid this sudden power release, a lock is triggered because of this. Therefore, this ‘trick’ would make no sense if used during a race.
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And although the finding by Mercedes and Red Bull Ford is not illegal, it was still in the so-called ‘grey area’ of the regulation, where it is exploited by the teams on the grid and each gives their interpretation. This has already been clarified by the FIA.
After fully draining the batteries and the cars entering this 60-second lock, this would also prevent them from suddenly reducing speed on the straights in the following races.
Now, therefore, according to GPblog, the FIA informed in writing that the “continuous displacement” function in the software is intended exclusively for emergency situations.
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