Lift and coast is a driving technique used in Formula 1 where the driver releases the throttle — or lifts — earlier than normal before a braking zone and allows the car to slow down without full braking. This reduces wear on the brakes and tyres, helps save fuel, and can also allow energy harvesting through the MGU-K. Teams instruct drivers to lift and coast when fuel saving is required or when they need to protect tyres over a long stint. It typically costs a small amount of lap time.
Example: He’s been told to lift and coast into the final chicane — they’re managing fuel consumption carefully right now.
Lift and coast is not the same as simply driving slowly — it is a precise technique used at specific points on the circuit to achieve defined savings without losing more time than necessary.
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