Drivers have mixed feelings after the first Pit Boost applications

The goal of the “Pit Boost” is to make race strategy more complex by adding an element of unpredictability. However, the reception from drivers is mixed, with some praising the innovation while others express reservations.

Encouraging pit stops, which were previously rare in Formula E, is one of the goals of implementing the pit boost. By offering more power, the race direction hopes to create overtaking opportunities and spice up strategies. The system operates on a principle similar to “attack” mode, but its activation is linked to the mandatory pit stop.

Some drivers view this innovation positively. They believe that the “Pit Boost” introduces an interesting strategic element and rewards teams capable of optimizing their pit stops and using the extra power at the right moment. It could also help to make up for lost time or defend one’s position more effectively. “I think it’s really cool to have this type of different race because the dynamics are very different. We will see a very different type of race [on Saturday in the non-stop pit race],” said Maximilian Günther.

However, other drivers are more skeptical. Among the critics, some fear that the “Pit Boost” could create a “pay to win” situation, where the fastest pit crews would have a disproportionate advantage. Others worry about the potential impact on overtaking, highlighting that the use of the boost could make attacks more difficult to anticipate and more dangerous. “I think the [Pit Boost] technology is very interesting, it just needs to work more or less every time, and if it doesn’t work more or less every time and it’s not quite ready, then we need to abandon it, it’s as simple as that,” said Dan Ticktum.

Another subject of contention is the duration and intensity of the boost, which are yet to be determined. The balance between the advantage offered and the impact on the race will be crucial for the success of this new feature. If the boost is too powerful, it could make the race too predictable. Too low, and there’s the risk of it remaining unused.

Formula E continues to test and refine the “Pit Boost” system. The future will tell whether this innovation will bring the expected excitement and unpredictability or if it will prove to be superfluous. The second race on Saturday, February 15 in Jeddah will not feature the Pit Boost; its next use will be during the double-header weekend in Monaco in May.