McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl believes Mercedes will remain the 'benchmark' in the current era, even if their 'party mode' is banned. One of the biggest talking points heading into the Spanish Grand Prix was the letter sent to teams by the FIA which informed them of an upcoming ban on engine 'qualifying modes'. These short-term power boosts were set to be axed for the Belgian Grand Prix, though it has now been delayed until Monza. As expected it generated plenty of talk within the Formula 1 paddock, and the general consensus is that the ban will most heavily impact upon Mercedes and their 'party mode' which gives their qualifying performance that extra kick. But once this ban does...
Full Story »