Mercedes’ audio cue unlocks extra power

Mercedes drew attention at Silverstone after Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were seen lifting off the throttle abruptly near the finish line during their fastest laps. The unusual manoeuvre was part of an aggressive yet legal strategy to maximise electric‑motor output. By momentarily reducing throttle input, the drivers avoided the mandatory 50 kW‑per‑second power drop, preserving full battery deployment for longer. The effect was striking in qualifying, with Antonelli gaining an extra 11 km/h over Charles Leclerc exiting the final chicane.

According to reporting from The Race, Mercedes introduced an audio‑based system that alerts drivers when the battery reaches a preset level above zero. Upon hearing the cue, Antonelli and Russell lift off instantly, triggering the required “negative request” from the driver and activating the optimal energy mode. The procedure, tested first in the simulator and then refined on track, delivered encouraging results throughout the Silverstone weekend.