What are the speed limits for F1 cars in the pit lane?

A Formula 1 circuit has a place where the cars cannot run at their maximum speed: It's in the pit lane, when the drivers are exiting or entering their garages. This limitation didn't always exist in Formula 1. Only in 2004 did the FIA enforce a speed limit of 100 km/h, which was further reduced in 2017.

What does the F1 regulation say?

« A speed limit of 80 km/h will be imposed in the pit lane throughout the duration of the competition. However, this limit may be modified by the race director upon recommendation from the Safety Delegate. » explains the FIA in its regulations.

Indeed, some circuits are subject to a lower speed limit, reduced to 60 km/h. This is mainly the case for Monaco, but Australia and Singapore were also affected in previous years. Since this speed limit is at the discretion of the FIA race director, these circuits may have different speed limits in the pit lane in the future.

60 km/h maximum for certain circuits

In Monaco, the speed in the pits is limited to a maximum of 60 km/h because the pit lane is very narrow and short. There are many personnel on the pit lane and although there is no "pitwall" with teams' computers on the edge of the track, it is too dangerous to drive any faster.

In Melbourne, this is another reason that often requires a reduced speed limit in the pit lane. The pit lane is very short. If the cars were driving at 80 km/h, the drivers wouldn't lose enough time when passing through the pits and would be more likely to change their tires more frequently.

In Singapore, the reason is similar to Melbourne. The pit lane cuts through the final turn, allowing a slight time advantage before the braking zone. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the speed to 60 km/h in order to prevent the pit lane from being faster than the main straight.

How is speed measured?

To determine the speed of a driver in the pit lane, several techniques are used. First, the radar is used. It is located at the entrance and exit of the pit lane. It is used to determine if the driver enters the pit lane at the right speed and below the speed limit. Throughout the length of the pit lane, electronic sensors via GPS beacons are used to detect the speed.

The track limits were established for the safety of pedestrians present on the pit lane. Multiple accidents have occurred in the pit lane in the past. Despite a reduction in speed in the pit lane, risks of accidents remain. In 2018, Kimi Räikkönen ran over one of his mechanics during a pit stop.

It should be noted that the speed is measured to the tenth. Thus, if the driver exceeds the limit of 0.1 km/h, the FIA will penalize him as if he had driven 1 km/h faster. The rule is therefore to be below the limit or at best, equal to this limit. This is why we often see drivers locking their wheels at the entrance to the pits, not wanting to exceed the restriction.

What are the fines if the drivers drive too fast in the pit lane?

If the drivers do not respect this speed limit, they can receive fines. For each exceeding of 1 km/h of the authorized limit, they will be penalized with a fine of 100€ up to a limit of 1000€ as explained in the regulation: « for each km/h above the limit, up to a maximum of 1000€ ».

How does the driver avoid exceeding the limit?

As he enters the pit lane, the driver has about a hundred meters to optimize his approach and brake as late as possible approaching the radar. Once he has descended below the limit required by the FIA, he then activates via his steering wheel the "Pit" mode which allows him to automatically drive at the maximum authorized speed, similar to a cruise control on modern cars.

Once approaching his garage, the driver brakes without any constraints linked to the Pit mode, and when he accelerates again, the speed limiter prevents him from exceeding the speed limit once more. It is only once past the end of the pit lane zone and the second radar that the driver can press the Pit button again to deactivate the limiter and resume racing speed outside the pit lane.