The FIA wants to raise pit speed to boost certain races

Formula 1 seeks to diversify race scenarios and create more tactical uncertainty. To achieve this, the FIA is considering increasing the maximum speed allowed in the pit lane at Zandvoort and Singapore, from 60 km/h to 80 km/h.

Until now, these two circuits imposed a lower limit for safety reasons. But this season, technical adjustments could allow them to align with the general standard already in force on most other circuits.

Towards faster stops

This modification would significantly reduce the total time of a pit stop. In Singapore, the duration could decrease from 28-29 seconds to about 23 seconds. This gain would make two-stop strategies more viable, thereby increasing the tactical options for teams.

Before coming into effect, these changes require minor adjustments to the facilities, as well as regulatory validation from the race director upon the recommendation of the safety delegate.

Monaco remains an exception

On the narrow and winding track of Monaco, increasing speed is not feasible for safety reasons. To maintain a strategic challenge, a new rule requires each driver to make two mandatory pit stops during the race this year.

A still unclear measure for some drivers. Oliver Bearman wonders: I don’t know how this is supposed to work. Presumably, they will impose from which lap a stop is allowed, like in Formula 2. Otherwise, I would stop on the first lap, then on the second, and finish the race on hard tires.

The Haas driver added: « But I’m sure they’ve planned something to prevent that, maybe a pit window starting from the 15th lap. I guess they’ll manage. In any case, it should yield interesting results. »

As for Charles Leclerc, he learned about the subject during Thursday’s press conference in the Miami paddock: “It’s the first time I’ve heard about it. There are certain circuits where it should be possible, but clearly, there are others where it would not be realistic.”

A response to the criticisms

This development is part of a broader effort to make the Grand Prix more unpredictable, following a season start considered lacking in strategic excitement. Despite the introduction of a new ultra-soft tire compound, most races have so far been dominated by one-stop strategies.

By making pit stops less penalizing, the FIA hopes to revive interest and tactical variety on street circuits, where on-track overtaking remains limited. Thus, the FIA has endorsed the requirement of having two mandatory pit stops during the next Monaco Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc did not hide his satisfaction that this was not the case last year, as he, like all the other drivers, benefited from the first-lap accident to make his mandatory stop and then control the race until the finish: « It’s good, I’ve already ticked that box!”