'Racing Point has already driven without Mercedes qualification mode in Belgium'

Racing Point was disappointing during the Belgian Grand Prix. The team that finished the last races right behind Max Verstappen only managed to score a few points at Spa-Francorchamps. Have they already tested without qualifying mode?

From the Italian Grand Prix onwards, Formula 1 teams will have to start with an engine that will be set in the same setting throughout the weekend. No more qualifying mode or push lap in the race, but all in one engine setting. However, according to Jack Plooij, Racing Point has already tested this in Belgium.

''I've heard a rumour, but I can't confirm that. I have heard from a fellow journalist that Racing Point has deliberately raced without a qualifying mode. If that is the case, then you can see that driving without Party Mode has an effect and then we have to hope that in Italy we also see that at Mercedes, of course,'' says Jack Plooij at F1 aan Tafel.

The difference could be seen at Racing Point now, but if all the other motorbikes also have to cope without qualifying mode, the difference may already have been eliminated. There are also rumours that Mercedes drove this weekend without qualifying mode and whistled to victory.