F1 2026 Red Bull and Mercedes “trick” in power units: what has the FIA banned?
In the new F1 2026 regulations, the first grey areas are already emerging and being exploited by teams. A particular system linked to the management of electrical energy is believed to have involved both Red Bull and Mercedes, forcing the FIA to step in with an immediate ban. This is a technical analysis of the case and its wider implications.
Formula 1 is constantly evolving, not only on track but also behind the scenes, where engineers and teams search for every possible regulatory advantage. The F1 2026 technical regulations have introduced significant challenges, but also new “grey areas” that the most innovative teams are trying to exploit. One of these has recently come to light, involving two giants of the sport, Red Bull and Mercedes, and has required direct intervention from the FIA.
But what exactly happened? And why did the International Automobile Federation decide to prohibit this practice? Let’s take a closer look at the technical analysis behind this controversy.
The context: F1 2026 power units and electrical deployment
Modern Formula 1 power units are extremely complex hybrid systems, combining an internal combustion engine (ICE) with advanced energy recovery systems (MGU-K and MGU-H). The management of electrical energy, known as “deployment”, is crucial for maximising performance in both qualifying and race conditions, as it allows teams to strategically distribute additional power.
It is within this context that the so-called “trick” identified by the FIA emerged.
The revealed “trick”: programmed shutdown of the electrical system
Engineer Riccardo Romanelli, co-author of the book “Endurance WC” and a motorsport expert, explained in our “Race Tech” analysis the nature of this practice. In essence, some teams (with Red Bull and Mercedes being associated with the concept) are believed to have implemented a “programmed shutdown” of the power unit’s electrical system.
This shutdown was not the result of a malfunction, but rather deliberately orchestrated at specific moments. The most widely accepted hypothesis suggests that it occurred just before reaching the finish line or at strategic points on the circuit, particularly during qualifying sessions.
How did it work?
By altering the normal electrical energy deployment, teams could trigger a temporary shutdown of the system. While this prevented the immediate use of electrical power right after the event, it allowed energy to be managed in a non-conventional way, potentially delivering a performance advantage over a single lap.
Why the FIA intervened
Initially, the actual performance gain from this solution was met with scepticism among some experts. However, the FIA quickly adopted a much less tolerant stance. By analysing real-time telemetry data from all cars, the governing body likely detected a suspicious repetition of this shutdown pattern.
What raised concern within the FIA was the fact that this “shutdown” did not appear to be linked to a temporary issue or a technical fault. Instead, it seemed to be artificially induced—a deliberately engineered strategy designed to circumvent the spirit of the regulations.
The FIA’s decision was clear: the practice has been banned. This effectively closes another grey area that teams had identified within the regulatory framework.
The right to technical ingenuity and the complexity of regulations
This episode once again highlights a constant dynamic in Formula 1: the ongoing battle between regulators (the FIA) and the ingenuity of the teams. As Romanelli points out, even though the FIA now has greater resources than in the past, it still operates at a disadvantage compared to the technical firepower and expertise of F1 teams.
When regulations are complex and open to interpretation, the most creative teams will always find clever ways to extract performance. Often, it takes a “tip-off” from a rival team or a pattern of persistent anomalies in the data before the FIA can investigate, analyse, and eventually intervene with a technical clarification or outright ban.
Conclusion: a constantly evolving Formula 1
The case of the Red Bull and Mercedes power unit “trick” is a clear example of how Formula 1 is a battlefield not only for drivers but also for engineers. The FIA’s intervention, although considered late by some, demonstrates its intent to maintain balance and ensure that competition remains aligned with the spirit of the rules.
For fans, episodes like this add another layer of intrigue to the sport, reminding us that every technical detail can make the difference between victory and defeat. And you, what do you think about these “clever interpretations” of the regulations? Let us know in the comments!
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