Jump Start

start of the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas

A jump start, in relation to Formula 1 racing, is when a driver moves their car forward before the start of a race before the light turns green on the starting grid. This is considered as a violation of the rules, as drivers are only permitted to move their cars when the lights on the starting grid turn green.

A jump start can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race, as it gives the driver who committed the violation an advantage over the other drivers. As a result, the race stewards may impose a penalty on the driver, such as a drive-through penalty or a time penalty, depending on the severity of the offense.

Jump starts are detected by sensors that are placed on the starting grid, these sensors detect the movement of the wheels before the start of the race. When a driver commits a jump start, their team will be informed, and the driver may be asked to come into the pits to serve their penalty.

In order to avoid committing a jump start, drivers must be very careful and pay close attention to the starting lights. They should also be aware of the rules and regulations regarding jump starts, as well as the potential penalties for committing this violation.