The summer break in Formula 1, what the regulations say

There will be no Grand Prix for almost a month! The drivers will return to the track on August 26th in Belgium for the first free practice session. This means that the drivers are free to take some time for themselves before coming back for nine more Grand Prix races.

The break usually occurs between July and August. However, this doesn’t mean that the teams will be working on the cars throughout the entire duration of this period, quite the opposite. In fact, the break is regulated by the FIA and the sporting regulations. All teams must adhere to these rules and are subject to sanctions if they fail to do so.

What does the regulation say?

A rule, stated in the FIA regulations, allows for the regulation of teams’ activities. It is article 21.8 stating that « all teams must cease their activities for a period of 14 consecutive days during the months of July and/or August. If there are only 17 days of break between the two Grand Prix, then the closing period is reduced to 13 consecutive days. The teams are required to inform the FIA of the closure dates at least 30 days before the start of the championship. »

Paragraph 24.2 of this regulation specifies the actions prohibited to teams during this period:

1/ The use of a wind tunnel (except when it is for maintenance purposes).

2/ The use of computers equipped with CDF (allowing aerodynamic simulations, except for service or maintenance activities).

3/ The production or development of wind tunnel parts for single-seaters or for testing purposes.

4/ The sub-assembly or assembly of the Formula One car parts.

5/ Any work performed by an employee, consultant, or subcontractor involved in the design, development, or production of these parts. Each team is required to inform its suppliers of the cessation dates of their activities. They are also prohibited from entering into any agreement or contract with the intention of violating this earlier mentioned activity prohibition.

The motorcyclists are also concerned.

In addition to the stables, engine manufacturers are also affected by certain restrictions. Engine manufacturers must also observe a period of cessation of activity as described in Article 24.1, with an exception for factories located in countries where the law imposes different closure weeks. These factories will have to replace this two-week period according to the locally imposed closure periods in those countries. Engine manufacturers affected by this must make a declaration to the FIA stating that employees are not allowed to bring work back to countries where factories are not subject to these closure periods. Engine manufacturers must notify the FIA of the closure dates 30 days prior to the start of the championship.

During this period, teams are not allowed to work on the monoposts, on the car’s design, development, and production of parts. Organizing or even holding meetings is not permitted according to the regulations.

Teams can repair damaged parts of certain cars, if, and only if, they have obtained the green light from the FIA. All tasks prohibited for teams are tolerated if, and only if, it is unrelated to Formula 1.

This 14-day period can take place at any time during the summer break. Some teams will need to close as early as possible in order to prepare for the next Grand Prix as effectively as possible, and vice versa.

This break was implemented as soon as the annual calendar exceeded the symbolic number of 20 Grand Prix per season. It also allows teams to control expenses, especially this year with a budget cap to be respected.

This allows not only the pilots, but also the behind-the-scenes people, such as engineers, mechanics, and others, to take some time for themselves, as they are constantly on the move around the world.

The only departments authorized to continue working during this period are those in marketing, finance, and legal. This quieter period on the field is often an opportunity to sign new contracts with new teams or extend with one’s current team. This transfer period (known as “Mercato” in football) is called the “silly season,” literally meaning “difficult period.”