Following a series of 12 races within a span of 21 weeks, the Formula 1 paddock embarks on a summer hiatus in August, directly after the Belgian GP.
There will be a complete absence of official F1 track activity for a full month, until the teams regroup for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort from August 25th to 27th.
During this time, which spans over three weeks, individuals involved in the F1 circus and global travel will have a break from their usual routine. However, it is important to note that not everything comes to a complete halt throughout this entire duration.
Paddock atmosphere
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Can you explain what Formula 1’s summer break is?
The summer break in F1 is extremely important for every season, to the extent that it is included in the sporting regulations. Teams that fail to comply with these rules may face penalties.
In an overarching sense, the F1 summer break is 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.
During the period when teams do not have any races or official tests scheduled until the F1 summer break concludes, they are required to implement a team factory shutdown. This means that work is significantly limited to only essential tasks in order to maintain the team’s operations.
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.”
During this time, teams are prohibited from engaging in activities related to car design, development, parts production, planning, or holding meetings.
During the 14-day period, it is not permissible to operate wind tunnels or machine parts. However, essential tasks such as service and maintenance are allowed.
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin AMR22, makes a pit stop during FP2
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
F1 teams have the ability to fix cars that have been damaged, but they must obtain permission from the FIA in order to do so. However, any tasks that are unrelated to the F1 team are allowed.
F1 teams have the freedom to initiate their 14-day shutdown period during the summer break. Most teams choose to take a two-week break in the middle, using this time to unpack from the previous race and get ready for the upcoming one.
F1 teams have the flexibility to schedule their 14-day shutdown at different times, allowing some teams to begin or end the period earlier than others.
During the 2020 season, which was impacted by COVID-19, the summer break was rescheduled to March and April in order to enable the season to commence in July and proceed accordingly.
The rules stated in the sporting regulations are applicable to all teams. However, they also have an impact on the FIA, race officials, suppliers, media, and other individuals involved in the series. These stakeholders play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of F1 races.
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari F1-75, Mick Schumacher, Haas VF-22
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Why does Formula 1 have a summer break?
Since the F1 calendar ballooned to over 20 races across each season, the summer break has been implemented to ensure time off is provided, with rules set in place to stop teams exploiting it to gain a competitive advantage.
It is also a way to keep costs in check, having been installed long before the F1 team cost cap, because it means each F1 team has to pause development and research work.
It also allows team personnel to spend time away from F1 and work, to relax and recover with family and friends, before the action resumes in the frantic run of races to the end of the season.
After the Christmas break, F1 teams immediately resume their hard work. This marks the first real opportunity for many departments within each team to take a break from work. It also serves as a well-timed pause before the workload intensifies again towards the end of the season, shifting the focus to the upcoming campaign.
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren MCL36
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
What occurs during the summer break of F1?
During the summer break, the activities differ across departments within an F1 team. However, for most departments, work comes to a halt for a period of 14 days known as the shutdown. This includes all areas dedicated to enhancing performance and managing the F1 team and its cars, spanning from top to bottom.
Only a few departments are permitted to keep working, which are those that don’t have a direct impact on car performance: mainly marketing, finance and legal.
During the prescribed 14-day shutdown period, all aspects of an F1 team must adhere to the regular season’s rules and allowances. However, outside of this period, the team can operate normally without any restrictions.
F1 drivers are also given the break and usually only debrief with the team on the day after the last race before the summer break and fulfil any media or marketing engagements. Then the drivers are free to go on holiday and usually return to the team factory during the week before the next race to work in the simulator.
Nicholas Latifi, Williams FW44
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
When does Formula 1 return?
The Dutch GP at Zandvoort marks the beginning of the final 10 races of the 2023 F1 season, taking place from August 25th to 27th after the summer break. These races will be held over the course of the following 14 weeks.
The season concludes with the Abu Dhabi GP on 24-26 November.
2023 F1 race calendar post-summer break
Dutch GP – 25-27 August
Italian GP – 1-3 September
Singapore GP – 15-17 September
Japanese GP – 22-24 September
Qatar GP – 6-8 October
United States GP – 20-22 October
Mexico City GP – 27-29 October
Sao Paulo GP – 5-7 November
Las Vegas GP – 16-18 November
Abu Dhabi GP – 24-26 November
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