Lewis Hamilton's pole lap in Melbourne has caused a lot of attention towards one of Mercedes' driving modes known as the 'party mode', but many Formula One fans still don't know what it actually is.

Mercedes have not denied that the 'party mode' gives them a dose of extra power reserved for the final stages of GP qualifying, however, there has been a lot of debate and controversy over how much of a boost this engine mode actually gives Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Valtteri Bottas.

In summary, the 'party mode', which it was called by defending champion Hamilton himself, is used sparingly and is only available for usage on a small number of laps every weekend.

The usage of the specific engine mode can vary according to the competitive context and certain scenarios within the qualifying process.

By using the phase document, Mercedes will also have to consider circuit characteristics when arriving at a decision at how much power is required on any given Saturday qualifying session.

Despite this engine mode clearly giving Mercedes an advantage, it will be deflating for rival teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari, due to Hamilton's inevitable dominance in qualifying.

Australian Red Bull driver and championship rival Daniel Ricciardo likened Hamilton's dominant qualifying pole performance to getting "a pie in the face."

Mercedes signed off its engine mode explainer with a reminder that F1 has not yet ventured to the sort of circuit it has traditionally excelled at since 2014, stating that more deflating moments are potentially in store for Red Bull and Ferrari this year.

"PU modes are particularly significant at power-sensitive circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps or Monza, which are dominated by long straights and acceleration zones.

"The first power-sensitive track on the 2018 F1 calendar is Round 4 in Baku.

"It will be interesting to see how the storyline around engine modes develops as the season progresses, particularly when F1 reaches those more power-sensitive venues."

Despite the 'party mode' clearly benefiting Mercedes for the qualifying, and providing Lewis Hamilton with an impressive pole position, Mercedes were unable to get the victory in the Australian GP as Sebastian Vettel pipped Hamilton to first place.