Here’s everything you need to know about the Formula One summer break of 2023
The F1 summer break implies over three weeks off from the grind of the F1 circus and travelling the world. The F1 summer break is so vital to each season that it is written into the sporting regulations, with penalties for teams who do not adhere to the rules.
This rule is implemented by Article 21.8 of the FIA F1 sporting regulations: “All competitors must observe a shutdown period of fourteen (14) consecutive days during the months of July and / or August.” While F1 drivers get to enjoy some well-deserved time off, it doesn’t mean everything shuts down for the entire period as the technical staff continue to work on improving the shortcomings of the cars.
The F1 2023 summer break is scheduled to take place in the period between the final race in July – for 2023, this is the Belgian GP on 28-30 July – until the first race back in late August or early September. This year that’s the Dutch GP on 25-27 August.
There will be no official F1 track action for an entire month, with the teams reconvening for the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on the 25-27 August.
What does the F1 summer break imply?
The F1 summer break of 2022 begins immediately after the Belgian GP on 30th July and lasts until the Dutch GP on 25 August. For the teams, when they have no races or official tests to attend or prepare for until the F1 summer break ends, there is also a mandatory team factory shutdown where work is severally restricted to just the basic functions to ensure the team ticks over.
During the summer break, teams cannot work on car design, development or parts production, including planning or holding meetings. Wind Tunnels or machining parts are also not allowed to be run at any time during the 14-day period, but essential work like service and maintenance is permitted. F1 teams are allowed to activate its 14-day shutdown period at any time within the summer break, with the majority of teams opting for a middle two weeks to provide time to unpack from the previous race and prepare for the next race after the shutdown.
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