Formula 1 Pit Crews

Winning in Formula 1 requires three things: a skilled driver, a fast car, and an appropriate tire management strategy.  Tire management is dependent on two components: selecting the right compound tire for the track conditions, and a speedy tire change,  

Formula 1 pit crews play an incredibly role in the success of the team.   A tire change longer than 2.5 seconds is considered a long pit stop, and a pit stop under 2 seconds can buy you a two positions on track. 

Two dozen people make up the F1 pit crew. Each team has one pit crew for each car throughout the weekend.  Across all ten teams, over 400 people are involved in the pit stops along the pit lane. Each member has an important Function elsewhere in the team, but cross-trains to be a part of the pit crew.

Function: Tire Gunner

Duties: Operates pneumatic wheel gun to remove and fit wheel nuts
Number of Crew Members: Four – one for each tire

Function: Tire Off

Duties: Removes tire and returns to garage
Number of Crew Members: Four – one for each tire

Function: Tire On

Duties: Bring tires to it box and fits on to the car
Number of Crew Members: Four – one for each tire

Function: Front Jack

Duties: Lifts front of car in the air to allow the tires to be changed
Number of Crew Members: Two – Primary and backup

Function: Rear Jack

Duties: Lifts back of car in the air to allow the tires to be changed

Number of Crew Members: Two – Primary and backup

Function: Steadier / Side Jack

Duties: Steadies car during tire change; Lifts car from side for front wing repair / replacement
Number of Crew Members: Two – one for each side of car

Function: Front Wing Flap Adjust

Duties: Adjust front wind aerodynamics for oversteer / understeer based on race conditions
Number of Crew Members: Two

Function: Lollipop Man

Duties: Safely releases car into pit lane traffic after changes / repairs are completed. 

Number of Crew Members: One

Function:  Refueler

Duties:  Refuels car

Number of Crew Members: One

Function:  Fire Extinguisher Man

Duties: Extinguishes fires in case of outbreak

Number of Crew Members: One

Function:  Crew Chief

Duties: Boss of the pit crew; Issues orders and coordinates between crew members 

Number of Crew Members: One

Members of the pit crew perform duties as mechanics, engineers and technicians before the race and between practices.