Debate | Has 'party mode' made a return for Mercedes?

Party Mode in F1

In previous years you always had to wait until the last part of qualifying before you saw the real speed of Mercedes. Then it was time for the 'Party Mode', where the engine was opened up completely. Nowadays this is no longer allowed because from qualifying onwards the engine has to be in one mode.

Formula 1 is also trying to make the sport as affordable as possible. That is why teams are allowed to use only a limited number of engines and when this rule is violated a grid penalty is awarded to the drivers. However, that penalty is not severe enough to deter Mercedes.

Trick of Mercedes

The German team has indicated that their analyses show that it is better to use an extra engine for Hamilton's last four races than to keep using his old engine. As a result, Hamilton will start five places behind on Sunday, but the team expects to compensate this with the extra power of its fifth combustion engine.

Of course, there are reliability issues with Mercedes' engine, but it is also clear that it can deliver more speed than Honda's at full power. This is why Hamilton was suddenly so fast during qualifying in Brazil. A penalty of five places on Sunday will hurt, but with more power, he can attack Verstappen in the last three races.