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Ferrari Tests Mercedes 'Lift-Off' Technique for Qualifying Edge
Ferrari tested a clever Mercedes trick during Hungarian Grand Prix practice aimed at maximizing battery energy at the finish line for a faster qualifying lap.
By Patrick Koster - 2026-07-28T14:50:51.000Z - 2 min read
In the intensifying battle for pole positions, Ferrari has turned to a tactic developed by Mercedes. The Maranello team began testing during the recent Hungarian Grand Prix to gain a strategic advantage in qualifying, just as their German rivals did earlier this season.
This method allows drivers to utilize the maximum battery power of 350kW all the way to the finish line. Normally, teams must gradually reduce energy delivery—a so-called 'ramp down rate' of at least 50kW per second—just before the line. Mercedes managed to bypass this through a clever interpretation of the regulations.
The core of the trick is that if drivers lift off the accelerator in time before the battery is fully drained, they do not have to adhere to those ramp-down rules. Following intensive simulations, Mercedes developed a system where drivers like Kimi Antonelli and George Russell know precisely when to lift via an audio signal. Antonelli had already used the tactic for his pole positions in Great Britain and Belgium.
Once rivals caught wind of Mercedes' approach—and the FIA deemed the tactic legal and safe—it was only a matter of time before other teams copied it. Ferrari followed suit, testing the method with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during Hungarian free practice.
Despite the tests, Ferrari opted not to deploy the 'lift-off' strategy in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The high-energy demand of the Hungaroring, combined with a relatively long run to the finish line, proved to yield insufficient gains to justify the inherent risk. Mercedes also abstained from using it in Hungary.
The effectiveness of the method depends heavily on the circuit: on lower-energy tracks with a short distance between the final corner and the line, such as Melbourne, Silverstone, and Spa, the benefits are considerably larger. Although the potential gain is only about 0.050 seconds, in a tight qualifying session, that can be the difference between pole and a lower grid spot.
However, there is a significant danger involved: if a driver fails to lift at the right moment and the battery empties prematurely, it constitutes a breach that could lead to disqualification. Teams must carefully weigh whether the minor time gain offsets the risk of a costly error.
Given the extreme competition at the front and the minimal margins, Ferrari's tests in Hungary are likely a precursor. The Maranello outfit can be expected to deploy the tactic, following further fine-tuning, at future races to step up the fight for pole position.