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Mercedes finds loophole to revive banned qualifying technique at Silverstone

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 10:34 AM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

Mercedes finds loophole to revive banned qualifying technique at Silverstone

Summary

Mercedes has reportedly reintroduced a banned qualifying technique at Silverstone in Formula 1, leveraging a regulatory loophole. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have been lifting off the throttle before crossing the timing line during flying laps to exploit a separate allowance in the technical rules. This method, which differs from the original qualifying power trick, avoids MGU-K-related penalties and is considered legal by FIA sources. The tactic has been detected by rival teams, signaling that discussions about its implications may dominate the paddock ahead of future races.

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By the Numbers

•The FIA banned the original Mercedes qualifying trick after the Japanese Grand Prix.
•The new method does not involve the MGU-K system at all.
•Antonelli and Russell have used this technique during qualifying at Silverstone.
•Rival teams have already noticed the loophole, prompting potential discussions.

Latest Updates

10:34 AMYahoo Sports — Mercedes F1 Found Clever Loophole to Bring Its Banned Qualifying Trick Back From the Dead

What they're saying

"
The FIA banned Mercedes‘ qualifying power trick after the Japanese Grand Prix. Three months later, Mercedes has it back – just wearing different clothes. Per reporting from The Race, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have been deliberately lifting off the…
— Yahoo Sports

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