Fastest Two Seconds in an F1 Race: The Pit Stop

About one second separates the fast pit crews in Formula 1 racing from the slowest.  The process, from beginning to end, lasts about two seconds, and usually happens two times in a race. 

The team’s approach to the pit stop may vary, and the equipment they use may vary a lot, but what doesn’t vary is the teamwork required to complete a successful pit stop. 

Twenty-one individuals support getting the driver in, and out, of the pit, usually in two seconds or less. 

Each racing team has two cars in a Formula 1 race.  One pit crew supports both cars.  Each member of that crew has a very specific role. 

Two people, one front and the other back, use jacks to lift each end of the car.  There are two backup jacks in case of a problem.  Two people, one on each side of the car, steady the car while its elevated. 

Four groups of three people simultaneously change each tire.  One person takes the tire off, another puts the new tire on, and a third operates a pneumatic wrench to loosen and the tighten the wheel nut. 

During most pitch stop, two people adjust the angle of the front wing of the car. 

Other team members stand by with fire extinguisher, spare parts, and backup equipment, perform other minor adjustments, or standby as a spotter. 

The entire series of events is orchestrated and overseen by the Chief Mechanic. 

The sequence of events is impressive.  It begins even before the car comes to a complete stop with each pneumatic wrench operator removing the single wheel nut.  The most dangerous job is the front jack operators, who steps in front of the fast-approaching car.  Probably the easiest role in the procession is the wheel off and wheel on. 

An electronic sensor in the pneumatic wrench signals when the wheel nut is properly tightened.  Once all four wheels are tightened, the wheel jacks are automatically lowered, and a green light signals the drive to reenter the pit lane.  The Chief Mechanic monitors traffic in the pit lane and can override the green light to avert a collision.