Article C5.20.5
ES Main Contactors
Technical Regulations
Article C5.20.5
ES Main Contactors
Chapter: C5
In Simple Terms
F1 cars have safety switches called contactors that work like circuit breakers. Each car must have at least two of these switches—one for the positive electrical connection and one for the negative—that completely disconnect the car's high-voltage battery system from the control unit when the car shuts down, preventing dangerous electrical hazards.
- Minimum two contactors required: one for positive pole, one for negative pole
- Contactors isolate the Control Unit (CU-K) from high-voltage systems after shutdown
- Acts as a critical safety mechanism to prevent electrical hazards
- Must fully insulate and disconnect all high-voltage components
Official FIA Text
The ES must have at least two contactors, one per positive and negative pole. Those ES main contactors must insulate the CU-K from the High Voltage parts of the ES once the shutdown process is completed.
contactorselectrical safetyhigh voltageenergy storeshutdown process
2026 Season Regulations