Source:REUTERS/HAMAD
I MOHAMMED
[Saba
Sports News] During the F1 Qatar Grand Prix last season, McLaren achieved a
remarkable feat by setting a new world record for the fastest pit stop,
completing it in just 1.8 seconds. The McLaren team swiftly replaced Lando
Norris’s four worn-out tires with fresh ones, leaving the spectators amazed by
the mechanics’ seamless coordination. Media reports suggest that an F1 team
typically requires approximately 24 individuals to perform a pit stop that
lasts around two seconds, with each person assigned a specific role. The pit
stop process is standardized across teams, and the key to achieving faster
times lies in the mechanics’ synchronicity and understanding. In a typical F1
pit stop, there are mechanics positioned at the front of the car who lift it
using jacks, two individuals on either side to stabilize the vehicle, and four
mechanics working at each corner of the car to change the tires. The
“wheel-off” mechanic removes the old tire, while the
“wheel-on” mechanic swiftly slides the new tire into place. The wheel
gunner loosens and tightens the wheel nuts, and two mechanics adjust the angle
of the front wings and flaps. Other team members serve as observers, perform
additional maintenance tasks, and remain on standby with fire extinguishers,
backup equipment, and extra tools and parts. Spare jacks and tires are also
available as backup. Thanks to the combined efforts of approximately 24 team
members, the average pit stop time in F1 is less than three seconds. The
record-breaking pit stop achieved by McLaren highlights the remarkable
coordination and precision of the entire team.