Mercedes Fine-Tunes Race Craft Ahead of Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Action
Mercedes has been focusing intensively on starting procedures and energy conservation during formation laps in recent days. The team views tomorrow's sprint shootout and practice sessions as the ideal platform to validate their latest developments.
The Mercedes team has dedicated considerable effort to refining their approach to grid launches and managing power unit energy reserves throughout the formation lap phase. With the Chinese Grand Prix sprint shootout and practice sessions approaching, the Brackley-based outfit sees an excellent chance to test the fruits of their recent technical work in competitive conditions.
The intensive development work conducted over the preceding days has zeroed in on two critical aspects of race execution: optimizing the getaway from the grid and maximizing efficiency during the preliminary lap before racing commences. Tomorrow's on-track action represents a valuable opportunity to implement these improvements under race-weekend circumstances and gather real-world performance data.
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Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article 48.1
Race Start Procedure
Chapter: Chapter IV - The Race
In Simple Terms
The race start follows a strict countdown. At the one-minute signal, all engines must start and team staff must leave. If a car has problems after the 15-second signal, the driver raises their arm and the car gets pushed to the pit lane while others proceed. This ensures safety and fairness in race starts.
- Engines must start at one-minute signal
- Team personnel leave grid by 15-second signal
- Drivers with problems raise arm for assistance
- Stricken cars pushed to pit lane
Official FIA Text
When the one minute signal is shown, engines should be started and all team personnel must leave the grid by the time the 15 second signal is shown. If any driver needs assistance after the 15 second signal he must raise his arm and, when the remainder of the cars able to do so have left the grid, marshals will be instructed to push the car into the pit lane.
Article B5.2.2
Pit Exit Opening for Reconnaissance Laps
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
Before the race officially starts, all drivers are allowed to leave the pit lane and do practice laps to familiarize themselves with track conditions. When leaving the pit lane during this time, drivers must maintain a steady speed and constant throttle—no accelerating or decelerating.
- Pit exit opens before the formation lap begins for reconnaissance laps
- All cars can participate, including those starting from the pit lane
- Drivers must travel at constant speed with constant throttle when leaving the pit lane
- This applies to each race weekend's TTCS (Timed Top 10 Shoot-Out or similar timed qualifying session)
Official FIA Text
Prior to the scheduled start of the formation lap for each TTCS the pit exit will be opened and all Cars, including any that are required to start the TTCS from the Pit Lane, will be permitted to leave the Pit Lane to cover reconnaissance lap(s). All drivers going to the pit exit at this time must do so at a constant speed and with constant throttle.
Article C5.2.12
MGU-K Standing Start Usage
Chapter: C5
In Simple Terms
At the start of a race, drivers cannot use their MGU-K (energy recovery system) until their car reaches 50 km/h. This rule ensures fair racing conditions and prevents teams from gaining an unfair advantage during the critical opening moments of the race.
- MGU-K activation is restricted during standing starts until the car speed reaches 50 km/h
- This applies only to standing starts (normal race starts from the grid)
- The rule promotes equal starting conditions for all competitors
- Teams must manage their energy system timing carefully during the opening lap
Official FIA Text
During standing start from grid, MGU-K may only be used once car has reached 50 km/h.
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