Ferrari is waiting for a response from the FIA regarding the MGU-K loophole.

      Ferrari considers the intentional use of the MGU-K emergency mode in Mercedes and Red Bull cars to be an abuse and is demanding clarification from the FIA on whether such a system is legal. The essence of the issue is that the rules for using the MGU-K motor-generator provide for a smooth power reduction at the end of the straight of 50 kW per second from maximum to complete shutdown. However, teams using Mercedes and Red Bull power units are able to instantly disable the MGU-K from full power of 350 kW to zero right at the end of a fast lap in qualifying, extending the operation time of the MGU-K at full power until the last moment. For the abrupt shutdown, they use the emergency system, which is supposed to activate only in case of a malfunction. The emergency system is described in the rules and is permitted, but it includes a 60-second lockout – when activated, the hybrid system is locked for 60 seconds. This restriction applies during the race, but not in qualifying, as after a fast lap the car usually returns slowly to the pits and the power of the MGU-K at that moment is not critical. A side effect of the emergency shutdown system operating in an abnormal mode led to three incidents that occurred in Suzuka, when Albon effectively stopped at the apex of the first corner, and Verstappen and Antonelli significantly reduced their speed. Verstappen called it a "failure" when the engine revs dropped sharply, and the downshift occurred too slowly. In such a situation, along with the revs, the turbine pressure drops, after which the revs can only be raised smoothly, with light presses on the gas pedal, until the MGU-K lockout ends. Drivers feel that the gas pedal is unresponsive and try to press it sharply, but this leads to nothing. It is known that the FIA held negotiations with Mercedes regarding the use of this engine operating mode in Suzuka after issues arose during practice. In this situation, there is a risk of uncontrolled shutdown of the power unit, which could pose a safety threat. According to The Race, Mercedes decided not to use this mode until the end of the weekend in Japan.