"Both races will be completely different" - Pit Boost debut should make Formula E cars 1.5 seconds faster

The new Pit Boost will be used for the first time at the Formula E race in Saudi Arabia on Friday. This means that all drivers have to come into the pits once for a fast-charging stop. While some fear a chaotic race, most drivers and teams are looking forward to the challenge and new strategic opportunities.

The Formula E cars should be a whole 1.5 seconds faster per lap on Friday! This is according to an information letter from Formula E to all broadcasters. That is made possible by 3.85 kWh of additional energy, which is recharged during a minimum pit stop time of 34 seconds. The drivers therefore have ten per cent more energy available, which means that they do not have to take their foot off the throttle as early before corners in order to recuperate energy.

"Both races will be completely different," predicts Nissan driver Oliver Rowland. "We expect one of the fastest races in Formula E history on Friday, while Saturday could be more of a peloton race. The Pit Boost will be a new challenge, but one that I am really looking forward to."

10% less energy on Saturday

As the FIA has set the race length for both races at 31 laps, the drivers will actually have to cover the same distance on Saturday with ten per cent less energy. In addition to slower lap times, this will probably mean that the drivers will once again look for the slipstream of the car in front of them.

"As far as strategy is concerned, we have focussed our preparations on looking at each race individually, as both will be completely different," explains Nissan team principal Tommaso Volpe. "It will be all the more important to collect a lot of meaningful data on Thursday. It will be a very exciting and eventful double-header."

"The introduction of Pit Boost will open a new chapter in Formula E. I think both the teams and the fans are looking forward to seeing the Pit Boost in action in a real race," continued Volpe. The new fast-charging pit stop could "be a turning point" for Formula E.

Barclay: "Another strategic level & unpredictability"

"Once with Pit Boost and once without - correspondingly different racing strategies are to be expected. That should be very interesting", says Porsche team principal Florian Modlinger. "The Friday race could be similar to the race in Mexico in terms of energy management. On Saturday, the field might come closer together again."

Jaguar team principal James Barclay explains that the introduction of Pit Boost brings another variable to the sport. "The return of mandatory pit stops will add another layer of strategy and unpredictability to Formula E. But we have worked hard as a team to make sure we are well prepared."

Introducing Pit Boost... A new in-race strategy play ⚡

The 10% energy increase comes from an ultra-fast recharge in the pit lane, enhancing race unpredictability! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/WlrhLvWBOz

- Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) January 23, 2025

At the moment, however, it is still difficult to say what direct effects the Pit Boost will have, says Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths. "It certainly offers teams and drivers a fascinating opportunity to influence the race result." However, as Formula E races are always very dynamic, it is not yet possible to say whether the theoretically best strategy will actually achieve the best result. "We could see some unexpected cars in the top points positions at the end of the race," believes the US American.

James: "An additional risk for the teams"

McLaren team principal Ian James also takes a critical view of the introduction: "Friday will be the first time the Pit Boost is used under race conditions, which means an additional risk for the teams and hopefully a good dose of excitement for the fans. I am very excited to see what impact the Pit Boost will have."

The drivers who commented on the Pit Boost ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix are all positive about the new feature: "It will add a bit more flavour to the race," believes Stoffel Vandoorne. His Maserati team-mate Jake Hughes adds: "The Pit Boost will add an extra element of unpredictability and possibility, which I like." Nico Müller sums up what many are thinking: "I expect that we will see a completely different race than usual."

The first free practice session in Jeddah starts on Thursday evening at 7 pm. The race on the first of two race days will start on Friday at 6 pm (CET). As usual, e-Formula.news will be following the E-Prix with live streams and a live ticker.