F1's new 'super-clipping' battery tech reshapes energy recovery and safety
F1 teams are converging on 'super-clipping,' a new method of harvesting battery energy at full throttle that improves safety by preventing sudden car slowdowns and allows for a more natural driving style. Its adoption could lead to a pivotal change in technical regulations and reshape the competitive landscape based on power unit efficiency.
Formula 1 teams are rapidly adopting a new battery charging technique called 'super-clipping,' which allows drivers to harvest significant energy without the sudden speed losses associated with the traditional 'lift and coast' method. This shift promises not only a performance edge but also crucial safety improvements by eliminating unpredictable car slowdowns on straights. The potential is so significant that discussions are already underway to change the technical regulations to accommodate its full capability.
Why it matters:
This technical evolution addresses two of modern F1's core challenges: maximizing energy recovery within the strict power unit regulations and improving on-track safety. By allowing energy harvest at full throttle, it removes a major source of erratic speed differentials between cars, which has been a persistent safety concern. Furthermore, it could redefine the competitive balance, favoring manufacturers whose power units can best exploit this new method.
The details:
- How it Works: Super-clipping engages the MGU-K to harvest energy while the driver is still on full throttle, recapturing up to 250kW of power into the beefed-up ERS battery. This contrasts with 'lift and coast,' where the driver must lift off the accelerator to harvest the full 350kW.
- Key Performance Advantage: When using super-clipping, the car remains in a low-drag 'straight' mode with its active aerodynamics open. Under 'lift and coast,' the car immediately switches to high-downforce 'corner' mode, closing the wings and incurring a significant drag penalty that hurts straight-line speed.
- Driver & Safety Benefit: The technique enables a more natural and consistent driving style, as drivers no longer need to make pronounced lifts before braking zones. This eliminates the sudden, unexpected slowdowns that can catch following drivers off guard, enhancing overall race safety.
- Regulation Frontier: Teams like McLaren are already testing configurations at the proposed new limit of 350kW for super-clipping. However, a formal rule change is contentious, as it would disproportionately benefit manufacturers who have developed more effective charging solutions.
What's next:
The FIA is evaluating data from teams, with a decision pending on whether to raise the super-clipping energy harvest limit to match the 350kW available under braking. While some teams resist a change that could alter the competitive order, the compelling safety argument for more predictable car behavior may ultimately drive the regulation forward. If approved, the 2024 season could see the first major strategic divergence based on this new energy recovery paradigm.