FIA Outlaws MGU-K Shutdown Trick Used for Qualifying Gains

Overview

• The FIA issued a technical clarification that limits use of the MGU-K emergency shutdown to real faults.
• Officials said the 60‑second reactivation lockout stays in place and they can check telemetry to prove misuse, with penalties up to disqualification.
• Mercedes and Red Bull had used the shutdown to avoid the rule that cuts electric output by 50 kW each second as the battery runs low.
• The trick helped only at the end of qualifying laps and led to very slow outlaps, with reports linking Alex Albon’s Suzuka stoppage to the practice.
• Reports say the tactic surfaced in Melbourne, was pointless in Shanghai, and became obvious at Suzuka after which Ferrari is said to have alerted the FIA.