Back to the Auto Racing Newsfeed

Has F1's engine 'party mode' ban actually helped Mercedes?

The front of the grid at the Italian Grand Prix looks like business as usual, with two Mercedes locking out the front row.

There was speculation this weekend a new FIA initiative would peg the world champions back -- so what happened?

Report: Hamilton takes Italian GP pole with fastest F1 lap ever

The Mercedes party continues

The long-awaited ban on qualifying engine modes -- often referred to as party modes -- came into force this weekend, but rather than hold Mercedes back as many had predicted, it seemed to extend their advantage.