FIA Plans To Increase Pit Lane Speed Limits At Several F1 Circuits

FIA Evaluates Pit Lane Speed Increases for Strategic Enhancement

According to Motorsport.com, the FIA is set to raise pit lane speed limits at selected Formula 1 circuits in a bid to create greater strategic variety in races.

Current Speed Limits and Target Circuits

At most Grand Prix venues, the speed limit stands at 80 km/h, but four circuits — Melbourne, Monaco, Zandvoort, and Singapore — currently operate under a lower 60 km/h restriction due to safety concerns.

The FIA now plans to increase limits at Zandvoort and Singapore to 80 km/h, following minor pit lane modifications.

Impact on Race Strategies

The change is expected to reduce total pit stop time in Singapore from 29 seconds to 23 seconds, potentially altering team tactics.

This move follows meetings involving Stefano Domenicali and Mario Isola, who discussed various ways to boost race excitement.

Special Case: Monaco to Require Two Pit Stops

Unlike other circuits, Monaco will keep its 60 km/h limit but introduce a mandatory two-stop rule to encourage more race action.

Rookie driver Oliver Bearman commented:

“I don’t know how this rule will be implemented. I imagine it’ll be similar to Formula 2 where pit windows are set. Otherwise, teams could just pit in laps 1 and 2 and cruise the rest on hard tyres.”

Regulation Flexibility Enables Change

These changes do not require regulation amendments, as Article 34.7 of the FIA Sporting Regulations empowers the Race Director to adjust pit lane speeds based on the Safety Delegate’s recommendation.