The FIA has elected to raise the pit-lane speed limit for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in an attempt to create more strategic variance.
Owing to the tight surroundings of the pit-lane at the coastal circuit, the usual 100kph limit is reduced to 60kph to protect team members working in the pit-lane from being struck by a car or by flying debris in case of a collision.
This means drivers spend longer in the pit-lane, with teams therefore reluctant to lose race time and track position with multiple stops at a circuit which is also tough to overtake on.
The race has usually morphed into a one-stop when dry, but in a bid to combat this, the minimum pit-lane speed limit is to climb to 80kph (49.7mph) from the 60kph (37.2 mph) limit in force in previous years.
It is hoped that this, in conjunction with Pirelli going a step softer than in previous years on its tyre compound selection, will create more strategy options for teams than a one-stop.
Pirelli has brought the C2-C3-C4 compounds to serve as the hard-medium-soft in its range for its 500th F1 grand prix, with the C1-C2-C3 range being used in 2024's race, won by Lando Norris of McLaren.
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Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to F1's return from the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix. The wet weather risk for both McLaren drivers at Zandvoort is discussed, as is how Lewis Hamilton will approach media day.
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