Ferrari tested the Mercedes F1 qualifying energy trick during Friday practice at the recently concluded 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. The method is designed to maximise qualifying performance by avoiding the gradual reduction in battery output as the energy store approaches complete depletion, potentially allowing the driver to retain the full 350 kW of electrical power until the finish line.
The evaluation involved both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with Ferrari conducting comparative runs to assess the technique’s potential benefits. Although the Maranello team did not carry the tactic into Saturday’s battle for pole position, its Friday programme suggests the method could become an option at more energy-sensitive circuits later in the season.
How the Mercedes F1 qualifying energy trick works
The regulations are written so that the gradual reduction in battery output, applied in 50 kW steps, can be avoided if the driver lifts completely off the accelerator before the battery is fully depleted.
By exploiting this principle, Mercedes’ Brackley-based engineers agreed with their drivers that they should lift completely off the accelerator shortly before crossing the finish line. This enables them to use the full 350 kW of electrical power without any partial reduction in output. The precise moment at which the driver must activate the tactic is communicated through an audio signal over the team radio.
The approach is one of the many consequences of the greater importance placed on harvesting, deployment and battery management under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.
Telemetry reveals Ferrari’s comparative tests
Recent telemetry analysis reported by The Race and available online indicates that Ferrari tested the method during Friday practice, conducting comparative runs with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The telemetry traces clearly show Charles Leclerc lifting completely off the accelerator before the finish line on certain laps, while remaining on the throttle during subsequent runs. The differences suggest that Ferrari was testing the technique in an attempt to replicate and evaluate the Mercedes solution.
However, Ferrari did not use the method on Saturday during the fight for pole position.
Why Ferrari may save the tactic for Baku and Monza
Energy management is relatively less important at the Hungaroring than at circuits like Silverstone or Spa-Francorchamps. As a result, the effect of this strategy on lap time could be extremely limited in Hungary.
It is therefore entirely possible that Ferrari chose to use Friday practice at the Hungarian circuit to begin familiarising Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with the technique ahead of events where it could offer a more significant advantage. Baku and Monza, both included on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, are among the circuits where the tactic could prove considerably more rewarding.
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