Everyone awaits the race in the Zandvoort circuit, the home of local hero and reigning 3-time world champion Max Verstappen. However, amidst the summer break, the F1 teams have to keep themselves busy by following a set of guidelines.
The three-week break after the Belgian Grand Prix provides the ten teams with an obligatory break. The break is mandatory, and there are clear penalties in the sporting regulations if teams do not manage to do so. Moreover, it is an effective method to keep costs in check, as the teams can pause research and development for a short period.
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Summer Break Restrictions for the F1 Teams
According to F1’s sporting regulations, Article 21.8 states: “The first period of fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days during the months of July and/or August” must observe a shutdown period.
Teams are also not allowed to run wind tunnels or machine parts at any time during the 14 days, but essential work like servicing and maintenance is permitted.
Despite this rule, on paper, the teams are free to choose when to enter the shutdown as long as it is in July and/or August. RacingNews365 reports that F1 teams will close starting Monday, August 5.
Strict prohibitions during the shutdown prevent team members from having any contact with development topics. Moreover, the FIA has access to all systems and can monitor communications, apart from fundamental activities such as administrative work, facility services, marketing, and maintenance.
The rule; Article 24.2, paragraph E of the F1 sporting code specifies:
“There shall be no professional activity of any employee, consultant, or subcontractor involved in the design, development, or production.”
Along with the rule Article 24.4:
“Any activity whose sole purpose is the well-being of the staff or entertainment is allowed.”
What happens during an F1 summer shutdown?
— F1_MercHub (@F1MercHub) August 3, 2024
Formula 1 teams will now head for an enforced summer break with their factories sent into a mandatory closure.
It is an important break that is written into the 2024 FIA F1 sporting regulations. Article 24.1 says that “competitors must… pic.twitter.com/0Qkvwe4Q2f
The teams get a choice of the days of closure of the factories to strategically plan and avoid any competitive disadvantage. The rest period in general is crucial to analyse the data from the previous few races and shape the focus for the following ten races of this year.
The next race is the Dutch Grand Prix from August 25th to 27th, which resumes after the summer hiatus. The Dutch fans await their home hero and also the 2024 driver’s championship leader, Max Verstappen.
Rohit Kumar