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Ex-Mercedes Engine Guru Andy Cowell Spills the Beans on the Team’s ‘Party Mode’

Published 08/27/2020, 9:34 AM EDT

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If Lewis Hamilton is the best man to go for driving lessons. Then Andy Cowell is the one suitable for lectures on the Mercedes engine. The Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains delivers a power-packed performance in F1: Beyond The Grid.

When it comes to a better understanding of engines, Cowell is the man to go. Simplifying the concept of “Party Mode” in a few words, he explained why he is the best in business.

It is just the mode, where we’re delivering the most power to the crankshaft. So everything is working not for looking after storing any energy so the ignition of the engine is running at the point where combustion is about to be unstable.

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“The MG UK is delivering the full 120kW, pressure in the exhaust is as low as possible, also the engine is delivering as much as possible. So the battery state of charge is dropping at an alarming rate. It’s the point where you’re giving your everything,” he said.

The ‘Party Mode’ is apparently used for the qualifiers or overtaking and is rarely used in the race.

Contribution towards Mercedes and what lies ahead

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Cowell supervised the inception of the turbo-hybrid engine in Formula 1. A career spanning over 16 years, he handed his request to part with Mercedes at the end of the season.

While many mock this move as whimsical, what they don’t realize is the fact that this move is born out of a drive to weather new storms. Cowell understands that his challenge at Mercedes is over and hence he looks forward to challenges ahead.

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Cowell’s involvement in the recent success of Mercedes is undeniable. His departure is sure to bring forth a lot of question marks in Mercedes. Specifically, the expected ban on the ‘Party Mode’ does raise some concerns for the Silver Arrows.

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Though it is expected to topple the dominance of Mercedes and bring the era of competition back. Cowell’s decision to leave was unexpected, but a good one. He is leaving the ship when the tides are high.

Can Mercedes ride these waves out?

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Written by:

Francis Banerjee

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