Ahead of every race, drivers generally undertake a formation lap before the lights go out to start the race. This is usually just a formality, but it is quite important for various reasons. First and foremost, the parade lap allows the Formula 1 drivers to get one last look at the track to identify the best places to overtake.

A second purpose of the formation lap is to allow the cars to warm up their tires. Truthfully speaking, tire blankets can only heat them for so long, and even then, they cool down very quickly. This affects the grip levels negatively and could cause a lot of wheel spin. In extreme cases, it could cause a driver to lose control, as Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher found out the hard way at the Bahrain GP.

This is why the warm-up lap is needed to heat up the tires quicker. To achieve this, they will weave slowly from side to side, and may sometimes also warm their brakes. On many occasions, particularly in four-wheel racing, the competitors are not allowed to overtake. However, in the case of two-wheel competitors, they can overtake, as long as they assemble at their proper grid slots.

What other purpose does the parade lap serve in Formula 1?

Last night’s Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix also highlighted another useful purpose of the formation lap. As reported by Formula 1.com, close to the end of the lap, Sergio Perez’ Red Bull stopped on the track. Luckily, he was able to restart the car and trundle to the pit lane to start. Meanwhile, the drivers set off for a second formation lap while Sergio Perez tried to get his car restarted.

The biggest takeaway from this is that the warm-up lap can be used to see if the cars are in tip-top condition. Cars stalling on the grid or on the track are rare, but it does happen. In that kind of event, protocol demands that the rest of the pack undertake an extra lap to give marshals time to recover the stricken cars.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Sergio Perez Sets Himself a Deadline for Getting to Grips With Red Bull F1’s RB16B