FIA moves to outlaw Mercedes and Red Bull qualifying energy boost trick. The FIA has banned a qualifying energy management trick used by Mercedes and Red Bull.

What was once considered a legal system is now no longer permitted in Formula 1, following a new intervention from the FIA regarding a controversial qualifying strategy used by Mercedes- and Red Bull-powered teams.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a particular exploit came to light during qualifying sessions, allowing Mercedes- and Red Bull-powered cars to utilise full electrical power down the final straight before the finish line. This was then followed by a sudden cut in electric horsepower and a temporary “emergency lock” lasting around one minute, applied only during the cooldown lap or when returning to the pit lane.

The system was technically within the regulations, but it quickly caused dissatisfaction among rival teams, who requested clarification from the FIA due to concerns over sporting fairness and consistency.

After reviewing the situation, the FIA has now decided to ban the technique entirely.

FIA: changes effective from Miami

The revelation comes from The Race, which reports that Ferrari initiated discussions with the FIA, raising concerns specifically about the safety implications of the qualifying trick.

Following these discussions, the governing body issued a directive to all teams stating that:

“While teams will still be allowed to deactivate the MGU-K, the use of this function for any purpose other than legitimate scenarios will not be tolerated,” referring specifically to emergency situations.

The new regulation will come into force at the next race on the calendar, the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for early May.