With the start of the 2025 Formula season seeing Ferrari dominate the rankings for the fastest pit stops, it is no surprise that the competition’s attention has turned to the Maranello garage. After recording the two quickest stops in Australia and the fastest overall time in China (2.05 seconds for Charles Leclerc), the FIA decided to conduct targeted checks on the Scuderia’s tire change procedure, temporarily placing Ferrari under inspection.
An Unusual Check: What Was the FIA Looking for in the Ferrari Garage?
Following the Chinese GP, the FIA closely examined Ferrari’s equipment and some pit stop simulations carried out by the team. Additionally, it analyzed race data related to Charles Leclerc’s stop. The inspection also included a review of the source code of the team’s pit stop system to ensure that no prohibited form of automation was being used.
The check was carried out within the framework of the new 2025 regulations, introduced to ensure that all pit stops are performed manually, without electronic shortcuts or dangerous automation. At the end of the investigation, Ferrari was declared fully compliant.
The New Pit Stop Rules for 2025
The FIA has updated the guidelines to prevent any form of automation that could compromise safety. Pit stops must now follow a precise four-step sequence:
Step 1: The wheel nut is correctly secured, and the operator sends the completion signal for that corner.
Step 2: The signal is received, triggering the instruction to release the jack.
Step 3: The control system confirms that both jacks are fully released.
Step 4: Only at this point can the “OK” be given for the driver to leave.
Any early signal to the driver—whether visual, auditory, or tactile—before the completion of these steps is prohibited. Similarly, no intermediate feedback on the stop’s status that could prompt the driver to anticipate departure is allowed.
Ferrari Sets the Pace, but Everything Is Legal
The fact that the Scuderia passed the FIA checks without any issues proves that its results stem from outstanding operational efficiency rather than technical shortcuts. Now, rivals will have to carefully study how Ferrari has managed to refine its process. At this stage of the season, Ferrari is the undisputed benchmark in pit stops.
