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explainer season 12

Everything you need to know about PIT BOOST in Formula E

Explainer 21 Mar 2026 3 Mins

PIT BOOST returns this week in Madrid, with Official PIT BOOST Partner, Fortescue Zero. Get to know the latest technology sure to shake up strategies in Formula E.

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explainer season 12

Feature by Katy Fairman

Race strategy in Formula E had a big shake up last season, when PIT BOOST (in partnership with Fortescue Zero) was introduced across all double-header race weekends. Previously, cars had been involved in a pure sprint to the finish line, apart from in GEN1 when drivers needed to swap cars mid-race to go the distance.

That all changed over the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix in Season 11, when PIT BOOST was officially debuted. Here is a breakdown of the technology that is bringing strategy back to the pit lane.

EXPLAINED: What does a Formula E race weekend look like, and what's the format?

What is PIT BOOST?

PIT BOOST is a mandatory mid-race pit stop where cars receive an ultra-fast energy increase. This is done through a 30-second 600kW boost in the pit lane, which in return offers the driver a 10% energy increase (3.85kWh).

All drivers must stop for this extra energy and it can only be when the State of Charge (SoC) window is between the maximum and minimum percentages, agreed by the FIA ahead of time – usually below 60% and above 40%.

The timing of this could vary from garage to garage depending on the strategy of consumption each driver has during the first phase of the race.

ATTACK MODE is also still available during races with PIT BOOST, but is getting a shake up for Season 12. There will be only one ATTACK MODE activation per PIT BOOST race, which should make for bigger strategic impact, flexibility as well as even more competitive racing. There’s also no obligation to use the full allocation of ATTACK MODE before the end of the race.

PIT BOOST Fast Facts

Stop Duration	Mandatory 34 Seconds (30s for charging)
Energy Boost	10% Increase (3.85kWh)
Power Levels	600 kWh (Powered by Fortescue Zero)
Pit Window	State of Charge (SoC) between 60% - 40%
When	Double-Headers: Jeddah, Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo and London.

CALENDAR: Here's every race set for the 2025/26 Formula E season

Rules and Regulations

No Double-Stacking: Each team only has one charging rig, therefore they can only have one car outside the garage for the charge at any one time.
Working On The Car: If a car requires changes –such as a new front wing or tyres– PIT BOOST must have been completed and unplugged beforehand.
Limited Crew: Only three team members can perform PIT BOOST, one with the stop-go lollipop and two mechanics holding the rig.
Serving Penalties: If a driver has picked up a 5-second or 10-second time penalty, these must be served before plugging in the PIT BOOST.
Watching Closely: Pit stops will be monitored by the FIA and reported to the Stewards if the process was not done within the guidelines provided to all teams.
Spares Available: If there’s a technical issue with the PIT BOOST equipment, two spare rigs are available at the FIA garage and can be used with authorisation.

SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, Round 6

For Round 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Madrid hosts an E-Prix for the very first time! We’ll be heading to the Circuito del Jarama for a race weekend that promises plenty of action and entertainment, as Spanish driver, Pepe Marti, hopes to put on a show in front of his home crowd on Saturday March 21.

Session	Date	Time
Free Practice 1	Friday 20 March	16:30 local (15:30 UTC)
Free Practice 2	Saturday 21 March	08:30 local (07:30 UTC)
Qualifying	Saturday 21 March	10:40 local (09:40 UTC)
Race	Saturday 21 March	15:05 local (14:05 UTC)

View the full schedule in your time zone and check the broadcaster listings or tap the Ways to Watch button above to find out where to watch all the racing action where you live.

Follow the race LIVE on web and in the Formula E app!

Keep across Live Timing – which includes a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow your favourite driver during every session of every E-Prix – plus highlights, detailed session reports, exclusive interviews, all the standings and results as well as data, insight and reaction from trackside.

LIVE: Follow every lap live, with reaction and coverage at fiaformulae.com/live

Additionally, Formula E’s social media channels, website, and app will provide session reports, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights from trackside during the five-day event.