Lift and Coast
VerifiedEasing off the throttle before a braking point to manage the car, rather than braking as late as possible every lap.
Lift and coast means a driver backs out of the throttle earlier than flat-out racing would allow, before the braking zone, instead of carrying full speed to the last possible moment.
In 2026, with the power unit drawing a much bigger share of its output from the battery, lift and coast is primarily an energy-management move: easing off banks extra charge for later deployment. It still helps save fuel, tyres, and brakes too, which matters across a long stint or when nursing a car home.
It isn't free. Lifting early costs a little lap time on the lap it happens, so teams and drivers are weighing that small loss against the energy, fuel, or component life they get back.