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Explained: Formula One summer shutdown

With 11 of a planned 23 races on the 2021 F1 calendar completed so far, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team now heads into a well-earned summer break.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, the team returned to base, debriefed the weekend, and begun preparations for the next event.

But with those jobs done, it's time for a break. And that applies across the grid, as the compulsory annual summer shutdown, enshrined in the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, begins.

Article 21.8 of the 2021 regulations state that, "All Competitors must observe a shutdown period of fourteen (14) consecutive days during the months of July and / or August."

In this period, teams are not allowed to work on their cars' design, development or production, including planning via emails and meetings.

There are exceptions to the rule. For example, a team cannot run its wind tunnel, but it can service and conduct maintenance on it.

Departments that do not directly affect the car, such as Marketing, are also permitted to continue as normal within the rules. The majority of the factory, however, will lie dormant during this period.

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While in 2020, the shutdown was brought forward to March and April as a result of the COVID-affect season, it has now returned to its regular July / August placement.

For the majority of the team, the summer shutdown is about recuperation, which has become increasingly important as the Formula One calendar has gradually expanded to feature in excess of 20 races.

The break also provides a moment for reflection. In the space of eight months, this group of almost 500 men and women have launched a brand-new identity, welcomed more than 10 new partners, developed a new car, scored Aston Martin's first F1 podium, and put fans at the heart of that journey.

And that’s just the start…

With three triple-headers and fresh challenges in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and revised Yas Marina Circuit layout, we're ready to recharge and come back raring to go, starting with the Belgian Grand Prix on August 29.