FIA Plans Austin Software Test as Three Drivers Exceed Engine Limits
The FIA has scheduled a low-grip power-unit software test after Friday’s opening practice for the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Separately, Arvid Lindblad, Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto have exceeded their permitted seasonal power-unit component allocations, according to reporting on FIA documents.
Low grip simulation targeting software anomalies
The specialised track simulation serves to resolve the power-unit mapping issues that disrupted the previous race weekend in Malaysia. According to reporting by GPblog, several drivers encountered unexpected power losses during low-speed safety car laps in wet conditions at Sepang.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were among those affected when electrical energy deployment software caused severe torque drops that could not be recovered.
An investigation revealed that the engine software failed specifically in sectors where a 250kW power reduction was actively applied. To assess newly introduced software safeguards, the governing body is requiring drivers to run their cars in low-grip mode on post-session in-laps.
Paddock instructions indicate that drivers must maintain reduced speeds for a short distance around Turn 15 at the Circuit of the Americas. The FIA, teams and power-unit manufacturers will use the controlled test to assess whether the revised software protections address the power-loss problem encountered in Malaysia.
Three drivers exceed seasonal power-unit limits
Separately, FIA power-unit allocation information reported by GPblog showed that three drivers had exceeded their seasonal component allowances ahead of opening practice. Multiple constructors introduced fresh powertrain elements that breached the maximum seasonal allocations permitted under the standard sporting regulations.
Arvid Lindblad took his sixth internal combustion engine of the year, exceeding his permitted allocation of four engines by exactly two units.
Alpine driver Franco Colapinto received a fourth control electronics unit, which is one more than the regulations allow. Gabriel Bortoleto received the most extensive component changes, moving to a fourth engine, fourth turbocharger and fourth exhaust set, which hits his maximum allocation limit for those specific parts.
However, the Audi driver exceeded his seasonal allowances by taking a fourth energy store and a fourth control electronics unit, past the permitted regulatory limit of three. Other field drivers, including Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz, introduced fresh ancillary components but successfully remained within their legal allocation limits.
