What does lift and coast mean in F1? Why do F1 drivers do it?
Lift and coast is a strategic approach commonly employed by F1 drivers to effectively manage their tires, fuel, and battery energy levels during races.
The term gained prominence in 2025 following Ferrari’s instruction to Charles Leclerc to do more ‘LiCo’ during the Austrian Grand Prix, where he clinched the third position.
Essentially, lift and coast entails lifting off the throttle on straights before reaching the braking point of a corner to utilize aerodynamic forces in decelerating the car.
This technique helps conserve valuable resources like fuel, extends tire life, and safeguards the car by entering corners at slower speeds.
Additionally, drivers may be required to utilize lift and coast to preserve the skid blocks under the car to avoid disqualification due to excessive wear.
In 2026, with the enhanced energy harvesting requirements in F1, lift and coast has become even more critical for drivers operating power units with a 50%-50% split between the combustion engine and electrical systems.
This method aids drivers in managing their battery energy levels efficiently, ensuring they have ample reserves during the race by balancing power output and recharging the batteries.
