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.