Hey Guys.
Post Mexico blog coming within the next 48-72 hours I promise. However…
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF FORMULA E !!!!!
Pit Boost [formerly Attack Charge] has FINALLY been given the Green light by the FIA and Formula E!!
This I feel will be massive for FE, and its teams and drivers, as it’ll give teams who would normally be at the back, a chance to score points, and maybe even stand on the podium.
It’ll also be big, as it’ll quite literally shake up the order, and hopefully make racing more exciting for fans, and teams alike.
So, what exactly is pit boost?
Pit Boost is a 30 second 600kw charge, capable of giving drivers an extra 10% increase in energy. This equates to an additional 3.85kWh of energy when Pit Boost is Mandatory.
The FIA have set out some rules and regulations with regards to its usage, which I will detail down below later.
Formula E have said that “Pit boost is “set to revolutionise the race-day experience,” and is “designed to enhance strategy, unpredictability and fan engagement."
Alberto Longo also had the chance to speak with Jack Smith of Motorsport Week, and Nick Golding of RacingNews365, both of which are good friends of mine, and said the following:
“After an extensive testing and simulation process, we’re pleased to finally present this game-changing technology to the world," said Longo.
"It marks one of the most ambitious and impactful additions not just to our series, but modern day motorsport. Pit Boost will challenge teams and drivers alike to make high-stakes decisions under intense pressure.
"The potential for dramatic overtakes, unexpected twists, and human ingenuity will elevate the excitement for our fans and showcase Formula E and the FIA’s relentless commitment to innovation.
"As a series born to enhance the technology transfer from the race track to the road, it marks a step change for consumer vehicles and the future potential of EV performance. "
And with regards to attack mode still being used:
“No, Attack Mode is not at risk. On the contrary, I think, if anything, it will be somehow enhanced.”
Alberto Longo
[from
The teams will know the maximum and minimum SoC [state of charge] three weeks before the race weekend in question, and “Longo insisted that the technology is reliable; however, should it fail, then the FIA's head of FE Pablo Martino revealed that each team will have a spare booster, with a further two boosters being available in the paddock should even the spares fail.”
[quoted from Nick’s RacingNews365 article linked above]
In a way, I am glad attack mode is still being used alongside Pit Boost, as it’ll, as aforementioned, add an extra layer of strategy to the races, and keep fans on the edge of their seats with regards to the strategy calls, and how successful Pit Boost will turn out to be. I for one cant wait until race 2 in Jeddah!!!
Now on to the Technicalities, and regulations, of pit boost. If you want to have a look, I have also detailed these on my Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/natsfeblog
Is Pit Boost mandatory?
Yes. It is mandatory for both cars.
However, art 37.5d states the following:
“Competitors are forbidden to double stack cars in the Pit Lane for the service of the “Pit Boost”. No more than one (1) car per competitor may carry out a pit stop at the assigned pit stop station at the same time. Queuing of multiple cars at one…station is not allowed.”
When is Pit Boost not allowed to take place
“It may not be carried out:
a. Before the driver has reached the maximum SoC for the Pit Boost Window
b. After the driver has reached the Minimum SoC for the Pit Boost Window
c. When the race is suspended in accordance with Article 40 “
[Article 37.6 of the 2024/25 Sporting Regulations]
Article 40 states:
“If Competitors or Officials are placed in immediate physical danger by cars running on the track, and the Race Director deems circumstances are such that the track cannot be negotiated safely, even behind the Safety Car, the race will be suspended. Should it become necessary to suspend the race the Race Director will order Red flags to be shown at all Marshal posts and the abort lights to be shown at the Start lights.”
But what happens if the race is red flagged, and can’t be resumed for any reason?
“if the race is suspended and cannot be resumed, 20 seconds, plus the time penalty for a stop and go penalty published in a bulletin before the start of the competition will be added to the elapsed time of any Driver who has not completed the Pit Boost pit stop.”
[Article 37.6 of the 2024/25 Sporting Regulations]
Who can work on the car to plug the charger in etc?
According to article 37.5c.:
“No more than 2 people may work on the car, plus one person assigned specifically to stop and release the car, all of whom must wear head and eye protection in accordance with Art 23.12, plus an FIA approved 8856-2018 overall… No other team personnel or equipment is allowed in the working area…until the charging operation is complete”
Article 37.5e. states that:
“Drivers must comply with the minimum stop time published before the start of each competition. The stop time will be counted from the moment the car is stopped in its pitlane position, and the Boost Charger is connected until the moment the car moves again to rejoin the fast lane.”
This in summary means that all teams and drivers must stick to the minimum stop times that the FIA publish, and follow the regulations of 37.6a, 37.6b and 37.6c, otherwise they may be referred to the stewards for a potential penalty.
It, however, can be taken under the Safety car:
[Article 38.11]
“Other than when the cars and the safety car are required to use the pit lane, no car may enter the pits whilst the safety car is deployed unless it is for the purpose of performing the Pit Boost, changing tyres or performing any work on the car”
So yeah 😊
That’s pretty much it !!
If you want more like this I’ll leave my socials down below, and also check out my new blog Instagram I made for the graphics on how this is gonna work
Love you guys 😊
Nat
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