Overview
- The FIA updated its technical directives to allow MGU-K shutdowns only for genuine failures and will audit qualifying data to police the change.
- The MGU-K is the hybrid unit that adds electric power, and some teams cut it at the end of a fast lap to dodge the rule that requires a 50 kW-per-second power drop on the final straight.
- The Race reported that Mercedes and Red Bull used this method in qualifying, gaining an extra 50 to 100 kW for a few seconds that can swing grid positions.
- Practice incidents at Suzuka included sudden power loss for Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli and a session abandonment by Alex Albon, which prompted Ferrari to raise safety concerns with the FIA.
- Rivals first noticed the tactic in Australia, it became critical in Japan, and reports say it was skipped in China due to a short run to the line, with the maneuver now barred except for real faults.