Formula 1 Pit Crews
October 22, 2022Winning 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.