FIA CONFIRMS LOWEST ENERGY RECHARGE LIMIT YET FOR QUALIFYING AT MONTREAL

The FIA confirmed a season-low 6MJ energy harvesting limit for qualifying sessions at the Canadian Grand Prix. This marks the lowest limit yet, significantly down from the 7MJ in Melbourne and the 8MJ applied for Miami. The move aims to combat drivers drastically slowing down on flying laps to conserve electrical energy, a concern the FIA first addressed before the Miami Grand Prix to improve the qualifying spectacle.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s mix of long acceleration zones and frequent braking points makes it ideal for hybrid energy recovery. With Montreal hosting a sprint weekend, this stricter 6MJ limit will apply to both qualifying formats. Drivers will also utilize four “Straight Mode” zones, effectively DRS points, with an added activation between Turns 9 and 10 – though this extra zone is only available in dry conditions. This tighter energy management, combined with potentially more overtaking zones, promises an intense Canadian weekend, forcing teams to optimize strategy and potentially shake up the qualifying pecking order.