What teams can and cannot do during the summer break
After the Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1 takes a four-week break for all teams. An opportunity to rest, but also to correct certain problems. Here's an overview of what's in store during the summer break.
The Formula 1 paddock has just fallen asleep. After 14 intense races, Formula 1 enters a summer break, with a return scheduled for the end of August at the Zandvoort circuit, home of local hero Max Verstappen. But why does this summer break happen every year?
What does the term “summer break” actually mean?
Like many other sports disciplines, Formula 1 imposes a mandatory break period on all teams. With a calendar extended to 24 races this season, this break has become essential, especially for team personnel who have little free time outside of this period, except for a few days between Christmas and New Year’s. Faced with this situation, the FIA made this break mandatory by including it in its regulations.
Regulation of the summer break
Article 21.8 of the F1 sporting regulations states: « The first period of fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days during the months of July and/or August must observe a shutdown period. » This means that all factories must close during this period, thus prohibiting any development of parts or new car designs. Additionally, team members are not allowed to have contacts on development subjects.
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. »
However, some activities are allowed, such as cleaning factories, checking the condition of computers and machines, as well as the administrative and financial tasks of the teams. Article 24.4 of the same regulation states: « Any activity whose sole purpose is the well-being of the staff or entertainment is allowed. »
Each team is free to choose the days of closure of its factories, although the majority of employees usually return a week before the restart. This organization allows teams to synchronize their closure periods to avoid any competitive disadvantage. The FIA monitors communications and activities to ensure compliance with this rule and sanctions any violation.
This rest period is crucial for all teams, who take the opportunity to rest and analyze the data from the last races. This allows them to come back in shape for the last 10 rounds of the season. Team members can thus relax before focusing on the next challenges that await them.
