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Mercedes' Clever Move: An Electrical Edge in Qualifying
During qualifying for the British Grand Prix, a curious detail regarding the Mercedes drivers caught attention, potentially hinting at a clever trick for extra speed.
By Ruben Smit - 2026-07-06T14:52:41.000Z - 1 min read
Remarkable behavior from Mercedes caught attention during qualifying sessions for the British Grand Prix. On both Saturday and Sunday, drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were seen lifting off the throttle just a few meters before crossing the finish line.
This action differed sharply from standard Formula 1 practice. Typically, drivers aim to cross the line flat-out, squeezing every drop of performance from the engine to gain every conceivable hundredth of a second. Those minimal margins can prove decisive in the battle for top grid spots.
However, this was no accidental move by the Mercedes drivers. A calculated approach is suspected behind this seemingly counterintuitive behavior. The team appears to be utilizing an ingenious 'electrical trick' within the systems of their W15 cars.
What seemingly ought to result in a loss of speed likely handed Mercedes a subtle yet effective advantage. By lifting off at precisely the right moment, they presumably generated a competitive edge that aided their pursuit of rapid qualifying laps.