Oh boy, F1 and their summer shutdown… it’s kinda like forcing everyone to just chill out for a bit. Seriously, for two whole weeks, nobody – and I mean nobody – can mess around with the car stuff. Not a single spanner can be touched, or a wheel can be spun in a simulator. It’s all so that no team gets sneaky and leaps ahead. Fair play, right?
And let’s not forget about emails or calls, nope, nada on that too. Weirdly liberating, I’d guess. Costs? They probably like that part – a little breather for the wallet. Every team has to let the FIA know when they plan this little vanishing act… sometime between when you’re done sweating over the Hungarian Grand Prix and before you dive headfirst into the Dutch one. Most teams seem to pick the middle of the month. Probably smart. Gives them a breather after one race and time to gear up (mentally, anyway) for the next.
But oh, if your car takes a serious hit… you might not have to just sit there crossing your fingers. Repairs are a go if the FIA gives the thumbs up. Play by the rules, or yeah, you’re looking at penalties. Not worth it, trust me.
Now, if you’re thinking of dragging marketing folks into this, hold your horses. They’re exempt from this whole car silence ordeal. They can keep spinning tales and numbers, business as usual.
And what about the end of the year shutdown? Yep, another one, right as you’re about to dive into holiday madness. Nine days starting right on 24th December. Perfect timing, I guess – who’s working on cars when there are presents to unwrap?
