F1 contemplating increased pit lane speeds for entertainment value.

      "You would have to consider the safety aspect."

      Formula 1 is contemplating a boost in the pitlane speed limit to enhance excitement in the sport. Before the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994, drivers were permitted to enter and exit their pit stops at full speed. "We all recall Nigel Mansell driving in and out of the pits at full throttle," remarked Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, with a smile. "That was impressive to see. However, it won’t happen again."

      The current proposal does not aim to revert to having no speed limits or to increase the limits at every circuit. With F1 currently in a regulatory cycle where cars are closely matched and producing significant turbulence, some recent races have lacked excitement. Thus, raising the pitlane speed limit could make extra pit stops less expensive and more feasible, altering the strategic choices available to teams.

      This year, F1 has already implemented a requirement for two pit stops in Monaco, and the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has urged Pirelli to adopt a more aggressive tire compound selection at other locations. Regarding higher pitlane speed limits, this adjustment is not being contemplated for every circuit but solely for those with narrow pitlanes that have the lowest limits on the calendar set at just 60 kph.

      The goal is to increase the limit to 80 kph in Melbourne, Zandvoort, and Singapore. It is believed this initiative is being promoted by Liberty Media-owned F1 rather than the more safety-conscious FIA. "Formula 1 has a working group examining this matter to make races more thrilling," disclosed Krack. "Naturally, the safety factor must be considered against the entertainment value."

      Monaco has already been excluded from any increase to 80 kph, and Krack commented: "In Zandvoort, the pitlane is simply too narrow. Furthermore, boosting the speed only has a limited impact. I don’t believe that raising the speed solely to enhance the show is the correct approach."