With the MGU-H scrapped — deemed too costly and overly complex — the next-generation power units, set to debut in just over a month, will rely heavily on the MGU-K, whose output will be tripled to a staggering 350 kW.

However, abandoning the MGU-H has sparked fresh concerns among engineers. It is not just the potential return of turbo lag — a hotly debated issue during the turbo era of the 1980s — but above all the threat of clipping: the sudden loss of straight-line speed when the electrical energy harvested under braking will be no longer sufficient to sustain full power over an entire lap. The risk is particularly acute at power-sensitive venues dominated by flat-out running, such as Monza.

The million-dollar question, then, is how this can be prevented — a phenomenon that could even raise safety concerns if one car reaches the end of a straight significantly slower than another close behind.

As reported by Motorsport.it, engineers at Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains and Audi are believed to have identified an innovative workaround.

The idea centres on advanced engine mapping strategies that allow part of the fuel’s energy to be converted into electrical power. In phases where the driver is cornering or running on partial throttle, some of the V6’s output could be redirected to the MGU-K to top up the battery.

The aim is twofold: to smooth out the effects of turbo lag and, crucially, to reduce the risk of clipping by ensuring a more consistent supply of electrical power over the course of a lap.

This would suggest that next season we could be faced with two distinct philosophies: some cars running with higher fuel loads in order to exploit this approach and guard against the phenomenon described above, while others may instead accept the risk and opt to run lighter overall.

Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains have also landed in the FIA’s spotlight over an alleged trick linked to the compression-ratio regulations.

The theory centres on exploiting the thermal expansion of certain internal power-unit components, a solution that could allow the engine to unlock extra performance — figures of around 15 horsepower are being mentioned — while still remaining fully compliant during static FIA tests.