FIA told they could open another potential loophole after banning Mercedes and Red Bull trick

Follow us on Google Discover

The FIA’s decision to ban Mercedes and Red Bull’s qualifying trick could potentially open up a new loophole, it has been claimed. 

On Tuesday, it was reported that Mercedes and Red Bull’s usage of the MGU-K shut down for performance gain had been banned.

It was first mentioned after the Japanese Grand Prix that Ferrari had asked the FIA to explain how Mercedes and Red Bull can use the engine’s emergency mode for performance.

Now, according to The Race, the FIA has told Mercedes and Red Bull that the mode can only be used for an emergency and not for competitive gain. 

Who is the greater driver, Sebastian Vettel or Max Verstappen?

Two Red Bull greats… One massive decision 👀

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

FIA could open new loophole after banning Mercedes and Red Bull trick

Speaking on The Race podcast, journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm questioned the FIA’s decision and claimed they could potentially ‘open themselves’ to another loophole.

He said: “If it makes more sense to do it this way, it will only make sense until the first manufacturer decides to claim they have an emergency on a qualifying lap and suddenly the emergency resolves itself.

“By doing it this way, it might make sense, but you then open yourself to what counts as an emergency.

“Ultimately, that will be at the discretion of the FIA. They will be able to monitor this; they have all the data.”

READ MORE: Nigel Mansell says ‘everyone’ is rooting for Kimi Antonelli in the F1 title race with George Russell

One manufacturer wanted to copy Mercedes and Red Bull trick before FIA ban

Speaking about the ban, Mitchell-Malm’s fellow journalist, Jon Noble, claimed that one manufacturer wanted to copy the same trick but ultimately failed to make it work.

He said: “I think we would’ve gone into a scenario where others would’ve been forced to copy it. We know one manufacturer was looking to do it, but couldn’t get it to work properly.

“We know Ferrari were aware of it and wanted clarification from the FIA before pursuing it. So if everyone has got three hundredths of a second, it makes no competitive difference at all.

“But then comes the downside risk of safety, cars stopping on the track, so it makes no sense for anyone to have it.”