FIA cracks down on Mercedes and Red Bull over MGU‑K trick used in early 2026 F1 season
Take action against the misuse by both manufacturers of the power reduction at the end of the straights. They were gaining 50 to 100 kW at that time.
Let’s be clear from the start: this wasn’t some game‑changing loophole that gave Mercedes or Red Bull a massive qualifying advantage. We’re talking hundredths of a second — but in Formula 1, that’s still an edge. And according to The Race, the FIA has now stepped in to shut down a clever workaround both teams were using during the opening Grands Prix, especially in qualifying sessions.
The issue centers on how teams manage the MGU‑K’s electrical power deployment at the end of straights. Regulations require that power be reduced gradually — specifically, by 50 kW per second. But Mercedes and Red Bull found a way to keep maximum electrical power flowing for longer than intended.
How the trick worked
The rulebook includes an exception: if the MGU‑K shuts off for technical reasons to prevent damage, the team doesn’t have to follow the gradual power‑reduction rule. Mercedes and Red Bull exploited that clause by intentionally triggering an MGU‑K shutdown at the perfect moment.
The result? A brief burst of 50 to 100 extra kW — not enough to gain tenths, but enough to gain meaningful hundredths in qualifying.
FIA response: a one‑minute lockout
The FIA realized how difficult it was to determine when an MGU‑K shutdown was “legitimate.” And with races often decided by thousandths, the governing body moved quickly.
The new deterrent: If the MGU‑K shuts off, it will be locked for one full minute.
That makes using the trick in a race essentially impossible. It may not completely eliminate the tactic in qualifying, but it certainly raises the risk.
Both teams had already shown signs of trouble when using the method — at Suzuka, some cars experienced issues returning to the pits after a hot lap. Now, with the FIA monitoring telemetry closely, any suspicious shutdowns will be easy to flag.
Ferrari spotted it first
According to the British outlet, Ferrari noticed the behavior as early as the season opener in Australia and asked the FIA to clarify its legality. The Scuderia even considered adopting the same approach for the SF‑26 — but only if the FIA didn’t outlaw it.
Now that the ruling is in place, that path is closed. Instead, Mercedes and Red Bull will have to operate within the same limits as everyone else.
The FIA addressed the issue before the April break, but the message is clear: the loophole is gone, and the playing field just got a little more level.
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