Ferrari seek FIA clarity over Mercedes alleged MGU-K Qualifying loophole

Ferrari are seeking answers from the FIA over what they believe is a regulatory grey area in the 2026 power unit rules — one that Mercedes and Red Bull may be exploiting to gain a qualifying advantage.

Ferrari question legality of MGU-K cut-off use

According to reports, Ferrari want the FIA to clarify why Mercedes and Red Bull are permitted to use an MGU-K shut-off mechanism — originally designed for emergency situations — as a potential performance tool at the end of a flying lap.

So far, that 60-second restriction has been sufficient to stop teams from deploying the emergency cut-off in race scenarios. But Ferrari believe that during qualifying in Japan, Mercedes-powered teams and Red Bull used the system at the very end of their laps — effectively gaining a speed boost to the finish line without suffering meaningful consequences from the lockout.

Ferrari accept that, based on the wording of the regulations, no rules have been broken. However, the team want the FIA to explain why this apparent loophole was not closed — and whether such usage will remain legal going forward.

Suzuka Qualifying sparks frustration

The issue gained prominence after a strong showing from Mercedes in Japan. Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position at Suzuka with a 1:28.778, leading a Mercedes one-two. McLaren, another Mercedes engine customer, also impressed, with Oscar Piastri qualifying P3 — 0.273s ahead of Charles Leclerc in P4.

Lando Norris lined up P5 in the MCL40, 0.158s ahead of Lewis Hamilton in P6 in his SF-26.

Red Bull’s session was more complicated. The RB22 suffered significant balance problems, resulting in Max Verstappen being eliminated in Q2. Isack Hadjar emerged as the team’s lead qualifier, but only managed P8.

Energy deployment under the spotlight

Mercedes’ energy deployment has already been viewed as a major strength in 2026. The team appear capable of using the full 350kW limit of the MGU-K for longer periods before cutting it directly to zero. Ordinarily, the system reduces output in 50kW steps at one-second intervals.

If the emergency shut-off allows Mercedes and Red Bull to extract more power at the critical final moments of a qualifying lap, it would represent a significant advantage — particularly in tight grid battles.

Ferrari’s smaller turbo has enabled Hamilton and Leclerc to make rapid starts, but both drivers have consistently found themselves lining up behind George Russell and Antonelli.

Should the FIA decide to outlaw the current interpretation of the MGU-K rule, Ferrari may believe it would shift the competitive order. That context adds weight to team principal Fred Vasseur’s suggestion that Formula 1 could see a “different championship” when the series reaches Miami.

For now, Ferrari are not alleging wrongdoing — but they are demanding clarity. And in a championship fight where margins are measured in hundredths, even a legal loophole can become a defining battleground.