Pit Boost set for Jeddah debut

Formula E has finally confirmed that the long-awaited Pit Boost feature will be introduced at next month’s Jeddah E-Prix doubleheader.

The addition, which will feature a pit stop adding 10 percent (3.885kWh) more energy via a 600kW ultra-fast charge lasting 30 seconds, comes after a delay of two seasons while Formula E and the FIA continued to robustly test the feature.

Pit Boost will be mandatory for all drivers, with race disqualification the result for those that don’t use it for whatever reason. Each team can only pit one car at a time, with no more than two crewmembers working on the car at any one time.

“After an extensive testing and simulation process, we’re pleased to finally present this game-changing technology to the world,” said Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo. “It marks one of the most ambitious and impactful additions not just to our series, but modern-day motorsport. Pit Boost will challenge teams and drivers alike to make high-stakes decisions under intense pressure.”

The feature will be active for one race at each doubleheader weekend this season — Jeddah, Monaco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, and London — adding an additional strategy element to those races, on top of Attack Mode, which brings in four-wheel-drive and an increase in power from 300kW to 350kW for a cumulative eight-minute period during a race.

“The potential for dramatic overtakes, unexpected twists, and human ingenuity will elevate the excitement for our fans and showcase Formula E and the FIA’s relentless commitment to innovation. As a series born to enhance the technology transfer from the racetrack to the road, it marks a step change for consumer vehicles and the future potential of EV performance.”

With Formula E’s ethos being rooted in engineering development and the transfer of technology to consumer vehicles, Pit Boost has the potential to increase charging capabilities for road-going EVs, charging being one of the key focuses for customers.

“Following a comprehensive testing program, we are glad to once again be able to push the boundaries of electric mobility with the introduction of Pit Boost,” said Marek Nawarecki, the FIA’s senior circuit sport director. “Part of the FIA technical and sporting regulations, this pioneering new feature will add another strategic element to the sport and underscores the FIA’s steadfast commitment to developing ever more advanced race-to-road technologies.”