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F1 Summer Shutdown: Everything You Need to Know

For F1 fans, the Summer Shutdown can feel like the longest two weeks of the year.

Waiting for the racing to start once again, wishing you were back in March with 14 weekends of racing to look forward.

But Shutdown is a very important time for drivers and teams alike to take a step back, recharge, and get ready to go again at the end of August.

Here's everything you need to know about how an F1 Shutdown works.

When?

While the racing officially stops at the conclusion of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, teams will have one more week at their respective factories before the 2024 Shutdown period begins.

Shutdown rules must be observed for a 14-day period, and come into effect for the weeks commencing Monday 5 and Monday 12 August.

How We Prepare for the F1 Summer Shutdown

A 14 Day ‘Holiday’

In short, no F1-related activity can take place during the shutdown period. Factories must be closed for all of the 14-day period.

F1-related activity refers to any operation or use of the Wind Tunnel, CFD Simulations, and any production or development of car parts, test parts, or tooling.

In addition, no cars may be built or sub-assembled, and no design, development or production work can take place.

This also applies to engine manufacturers, meaning our team-mates at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains will also have two weeks off.

“We are not allowed to work, think, or do anything that could make an F1 car go quicker,” says Technical Director James Allison.

“It basically means we get to go home and have a holiday for 14 consecutive days!”

‘You Do Not Realise How Tired You Are Until Shutdown’

Two weeks without F1 may seem like a nightmare to many fans, but for those who have worked hard behind the scenes since the beginning of the year, it is an opportunity to rest, enjoy some time off, and spend time with friends, family, and loved ones.

F1 seasons are tough, non-stop, and intense. There are no days off when the season is in full flow, and quite often, little time to take a step back. The F1 Shutdown allows all of that.

Chief Operating Officer Rob Thomas says: “During the season you are on this treadmill of working so hard, and as the shutdown approaches you do start to notice that the team are starting to think about the break.

“You do not really notice how tired you are until you have that time off.

“When the team returns to work, you can tell they are refreshed, you can feel a renewed energy across the whole factory.”

Video: What is the F1 Summer Shutdown?

So, There’s No One at the Factory?

Well, not quite. While the team members are away, there is still work to do. But it is only cosmetic.

Maintenance work will still take place at Brackley, designed to keep our home looking and running at its best for when our team members return.

Such work would not be possible in the middle of the season with all systems go.

Keeping our campus maintained to the highest possible standard will help serve our team members with the best possible working environment, allowing them to perform at their best.

This will give us the best possible chance of maximising and improving on track performance when the racing returns at the end of the month.

Departments not directly connected to the race team, such as Finance and Marketing, are permitted to remain open under Shutdown regulations, but the team does encourage those working in those areas to use the two-week break as well.

When Are We Back?

Teams will return to their bases and get ready for the second half of the 2024 season Monday 19 August.

It will be a case of straight down to business, with a Zandvoort-Monza double header awaiting in the first two weekends after the break.

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