The new power units need to constantly harvest and recapture energy into the battery. There are different ways of doing this; simply and more complex.

The simple way of doing this is by using a ‘lift and coast’ method. This is when a driver lifts off the throttle early into a corner. Unfortunately, this causes the front and rear wings to close shut, making the car go back to its high downforce state.

The complex way of doing this is called super clipping. This is the process of harvesting at the end of a straight or a fast corner, with the car at full throttle, thereby reducing drag. However, it is not always an option. It depends on what type of engine map is being used, the circuit profile, and the overall recharge energy allowance for the circuit, which varies per the regulations (super clipping has just recently received an increased limit from 250 kW to 350 kW starting in Miami).

During super clipping, the MGU-K temporarily operates in harvest mode, capturing energy that would otherwise drive the rear wheels.

Super clipping is the more desirable option for teams. The disadvantage of the lift and coast method makes the super clipping option worth it. Even though it is more complex, it is the better option. However, most of the time, recharging happens by automated functions controlled by the ECU.