Full‑Throttle Qualifying Launch Returns at Miami GP

From this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix onward, drivers can launch qualifying laps at full throttle for the first time since the 2026 power‑unit rules forced a half‑throttle start. Mid‑season rule tweaks loosen MGU‑K limits, letting teams decide when to draw on the 4 MJ battery.

Why it matters:

• Removes the need for a half‑throttle rollout, improving driver focus and safety.
• Restores a familiar qualifying rhythm, making the sport easier for fans to follow.
• Lets teams tailor energy deployment per circuit, sharpening the performance gap.

The details:

• Drivers previously held ~50% throttle from the final corner to avoid draining the MGU‑K before the start line.
• The rule change removes the throttle‑position restriction, giving teams control over MGU‑K activation.
• Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon praised the automatic launch, saying it lets them focus on the corner instead of throttle percentages.
• Team principal Ayao Komatsu noted early MGU‑K use can boost straight‑line speed on some circuits, making the net gain worth the small battery drain.

What's next:

• The change applies to all remaining 2026 events, prompting teams to fine‑tune energy maps per track.
• The FIA may consider further tweaks if the new regime reveals additional performance‑sustainability trade‑offs.