---
title: "Formula E considering mandatory pitstops after car swaps end"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/05/09/formula-e-considering-mandatory-pitstops-car-swaps-end/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Josh Suttill"
section: "Formula E"
published: "2017-05-09T17:38:38Z"
modified: "2017-05-09T17:38:38Z"
---

# Formula E considering mandatory pitstops after car swaps end

Formula E is discussing the possibility of implementing mandatory pitstops in its races, once they move away from the current car swap system.

Drivers currently have to come into the pits during the race to switch cars in order to be able to complete the full race distance.

The series is set to introduce a new 54kWh McLaren Applied Technologies battery for its fifth season in 2018/19, which will enable drivers to do the whole race distance in just one car.

SWG (Formula E’s Sporting Working Group) is scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the sport’s future race format plans.

Amongst those in the group is Andretti co-team principal Roger Griffiths, who spoke to [Autosport](https://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/129403/fe-wants-to-keep-pitstops-after-car-swaps-end) about the dilemma.

“We’ve talked about a conventional pit stop where we’d change tyres but you can’t see many benefits in that because we wouldn’t be changing tyres that are worn out,” he said.

“It just means bringing extra equipment, extra wheels and there would be no real message as to why we are doing that.

“Trying to come up with something that adds an element of strategy is one of the solutions we are looking at.

“We could have a minimum stop drive through or in the box itself, so there might be a narrow window to come in and pit.

“There could also have an option to choose to make a stop and in that stop you get additional power to use.

“So, the longer you stop the more power you get, so when you come out you could run faster than you did previously.”

![Handout/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/663575390.jpg)

Lucas di Grassi, who has finished on the podium in 16 of the 25 Formula E races he’s competed in, has backed the proposal.

“There are a lot of things that could be considered from quite conventional plans like pitstops to more radical ones like we have seen in rallycross with an extra corner \[joker lap\],” di Grassi said.

“Other components that make strategy that you can play with will be crucial, not only the amount of energy we have but the strategy around using it.

“Maybe two pitstops at any time during a race could work.

“It all has to be analysed but I am in favour of keeping this strategic possibility open.”