What is lift and coast in F1?

Lift and coast in F1

Lift and coast is a popular tactic used by F1 drivers to help manage their tyres, fuel, and battery energy during grands prix. 

In 2025, the term gained even more popularity when Charles Leclerc was informed by Ferrari that he was required to do more 'LiCo' during the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished third.

Essentially, lift and coast in F1 means drivers will lift off the throttle on a straight before the braking zone of a corner to use the aerodynamic forces to help slow the car.

In doing so, a driver can save critical consumables of their car, such as fuel and extend the tyre life by not carrying as much speed into the corner and protecting the car.

Drivers could also be asked to lift and coast in F1 to help protect the skid blocks underneath the car, as too much wear, if found during post-race scrutineering, will lead to disqualification. 

In 2026, lift and coast in F1 has taken on a new meaning owing to the increased energy harvesting demands now on drivers. 

With the new power units now featuring power output of 50%-50% between the internal combustion engine and the new beefed-up electrical systems, drivers must take care to harvest enough energy to ensure they don't deplete their reserves.

For drivers, one way to do this is to lift and coast into the corners, protecting their supply of battery energy whilst also harvesting the batteries.

Every F1 driver will have to do lift and coast at some point through the season, with it being a long-time part of grand prix racing.