26/08/2025 12:00
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.
