A warm-up lap — also called a formation lap — is the lap all Formula 1 drivers complete immediately before the race start, driving from the grid around the circuit and returning to their starting positions. During the warm-up lap, drivers weave to generate heat in their tyres, check their brakes, and ensure all car systems are functioning. It is the final chance for drivers and teams to identify any problems before the race begins. The warm-up lap ends when all cars have returned to the grid and the lights sequence begins.
Example: The warm-up lap is complete and the cars are forming up on the grid — the lights will be coming on in just a moment.
Warm-up lap and formation lap are different names for exactly the same thing in Formula 1.
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