Are Pit Boost races too complicated? Formula E considers rule changes for season 12

After the first Gen3 Evo season, the Formula E racing format is under scrutiny. This is reported by the colleagues at The Race. The bone of contention is apparently the races with Pit Boost stops, which many people in the paddock find too confusing in their current form. Fans and TV viewers find it difficult to keep track of things.

It was the big innovation in the Formula E racing format for the 2024-25 season: all drivers had to make a mandatory pit stop in the first race of a double header, during which 3.85 kWh of energy was recharged within 30 seconds. Together with the Attack Mode, there were many possible strategies. Some drivers headed for the pits as early as possible and activated the first of their two Attack Modes immediately afterwards, while others saved the pit stop and both Attack Mode activations until the final phase. Still other drivers activated the first Attack Mode before the pit stop.

The many different strategy options offered by Attack Mode in particular - the drivers were able to divide the eight minutes of extra time between three different options - meant that the races were sometimes perceived as extremely chaotic. In a tight field, it was often difficult to understand why a driver had gained or lost positions after their pit stop with fast charging.

In Jeddah, for example, Max Günther, who was battling for the lead with Oliver Rowland before the mandatory Pit Boost stops, was only in sixth place after the pit stops. In the end, he still won the race after a spectacular attack in the final chicane - our readers voted the attack the overtaking manoeuvre of the year.

Günther: "It can be a good move"

The confusion that has spread during these races, not only among fans but also among some of the live commentators on TV, has prompted those responsible for the racing series to consider alternatives. Completely abandoning Attack Mode with 350 kW and all-wheel drive is not an option, but Formula E is considering allowing the additional power to be activated only once in Pit Boost races. However, the plans should only apply to individual races - not all of them.

"It can be a good move because it will be decided more on merit, the races will tend to be less chaotic," said DS Penske driver Max Guenther at The Race. "It will reduce the chances of getting lucky or unlucky with a safety car or a full course yellow, too." However, there is by no means unanimity among the drivers here. Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland, for example, takes a different view. "I don't think it will change much", says the Nissan driver. Instead, Formula E needs to work on "making it better on TV."

The necessary amendment to the Sporting Regulations has already been approved by the Formula E Sporting Working Group and will be submitted to the Formula E Commission, which is drawing up the regulations for the FIA. This will then be adopted at the next meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which will take place on 16 October.

Will there be further changes to the Attack Mode rules?

However, this is not the only change that is to be made in connection with the Attack Mode. The FIA is planning to abolish penalties if the Attack Mode has not completely expired by the end of the race. This was triggered by the chaotic finale at the Miami E-Prix, when a safety car phase shortly before the end of the race resulted in several drivers activating Attack Mode too late. Norman Nato overtook Pascal Wehrlein in the final metres and crossed the finish line in first place, but was only classified in sixth place due to the time penalty incurred.

"That's because it's already a disadvantage not to take it (completely), so you shouldn't be penalised as well as not being able to finish it (during the race)," says Rowland An adjustment " a good thing, and I think it'll make the racing a bit better." However, there are some concerns on the part of the teams: There are fears that this change will ensure that all drivers will drive the same strategy and activate the attack mode in such a way that it will expire shortly after the finish line.

In addition, the series is also said to have considered stopping the clock of Attack Mode in the event of a full-course yellow, a safety car period or a red flag. This is to prevent drivers from losing the advantage of additional power through no fault of their own. "The highest importance in my opinion would be to stop your Attack (Mode) timer in safety car or FCY and continue when the race is green," says Max Günther, who sees this as a major construction site for the racing series. However, this change is not to be implemented for the coming season.