Preparing for the Summer Shutdown

How do Teams ensure they handle the F1 summer break as efficiently as possible?

The summer shutdown, introduced several years ago, is a mandated two-week break that all Formula One teams must observe.

No F1 activities may take place and is incredibly important in enabling team members time to recharge ahead of the second half of the season. "In my opinion, it's one of the best rules that has been brought into Formula One," says Rob Thomas, Chief Operation Officer.

"It's not easy to suddenly switch off and then suddenly go again. It's quite unique to have to do this mid-season," Ron Meadows, Sporting Director, comments. What does it take then for an F1 team to efficiently come to a halt, and then restart rapidly and get back racing?

Making sure we are prepared for these two scenarios is going to be critical for the tail end of the season to come.

Rob Thomas

"We plan many months in advance for those two weeks," Rob answers. "Preparation is key because we race in Spa just before the shutdown and we get back, we are straight into another race weekend in the Netherlands. Making sure we are prepared for these two scenarios is going to be critical for the tail end of the season to come," he continues.

"We've definitely got better at getting our heads back in the right space," Mike adds. "While I think there is an inefficiency to shutting down the factory and then having to restart, it is the same for every team."

Hear more from Mike, Rob, and Ron to learn more about how we prepare for the F1 summer break.