FIA Delays ‘Party Mode’ Ban to Mercedes’ Delight
Follow Us
Multiple reports suggesting that the FIA planned for a ban on ‘special modes’ that are normally employed in qualifying were recently released. Apparently, the Mercedes team has been using these modes judiciously. However, F1-Insider believes that the ban may be postponed until further notice.
According to reports, the ban was expected to make landfall at the next race in Spa-Francorchamps. However, the latest news suggests that it won’t be in place until the next race in Monza. In fact, uncertainty looms over the implementation of the ban by the FIA in Monza as well.
The primary purpose of the ban was to gain improved control over the power units’ legal operation. Now the delay means that Mercedes can continue driving with their usual engine settings in qualifying.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to some measurements, the engine output is around 1022 bhp, handing the team at least half a second compared to their rivals.
While their rivals boast of some extra horsepower during their qualifying sessions as well, Mercedes’ figures trounce everybody else’s.
Since Honda’s advantage is probably the least, the Red Bull team was gunning for the implementation of the ban, the sooner the better.
Toto Wolff Reveals How ‘Party Mode’ Ban Will Actually Help Mercedes F1
Would the ban actually affect Mercedes?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko told F1-Insider.com, “That would be good for us because then even the pole is possible for us. In Barcelona we lost at least half a second on Mercedes in qualifying due to the party mode.
“In Spa it would have been eight tenths. We’re improving in the chassis area every weekend, getting closer and closer to Mercedes. That’s why I believe that we’ll be on par with Mercedes in Belgium in qualifying as well.”
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again
April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT
“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”
April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Carlos Sainz Offered 2-Year Deal for Mercedes by Toto Wolff
April 12, 2024 12:16 PM EDT
Charles Leclerc: “I’ve Been Suffering More Than [Carlos] Sainz Has”
April 18, 2024 12:13 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Truthfully, nobody knows why the party ban has been delayed, though Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff never protested. He declared that even if the ban affects them in qualifying, it would not be the same story in the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Wolff noted that this is highly complex, and the FIA finds it easier to monitor a single mode. However, he admitted, “For years we have concentrated on making this specific aspect work, and now you come from the far left and say we don’t want this anymore. But the rule must first be precisely defined.
“In the end, I think it’s simply a new challenge for us.”