A formation lap — also called a warm-up lap — takes place immediately before the start of a Formula 1 race. All cars complete one lap of the circuit from the grid before returning to their starting positions. During this lap, drivers warm up their tyres and brakes, check that all car systems are working correctly, and follow the correct procedures for lining up on the grid. Any driver who stalls or fails to complete the formation lap correctly may have to start from the pit lane.
Example: The formation lap is underway — drivers are weaving side to side to get some heat into those tyres.
Formation lap and warm-up lap are used interchangeably and mean the same thing in Formula 1.
See Also: