In a relentless quest for unparalleled efficiency, Red Bull Racing ambitiously chases the record for the fastest pit stops in Formula 1 history, blending precision, teamwork, and technological innovation.
Red Bull is striving to achieve pit stops as quick as 1.6 seconds. According to Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s Sporting Director, the team has managed to change the front wheels of their F1 car in just 1.45 seconds. The challenge now is to replicate this speed in a complete pit stop.
McLaren recently surpassed Red Bull’s record pit stop time of 1.82 seconds, set at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, by achieving a 1.80-second stop for Lando Norris at the Qatar Grand Prix. McLaren’s record stands out even more because they accomplished it with 18-inch wheels, which are heavier and bulkier than the 13-inch wheels used in 2019.
Since then, Red Bull has been dedicated to reclaiming their record, with rigorous training underway in Milton Keynes.
“We can achieve 1.6 seconds by combining everyone’s best individual times,” reveals Rich Wolverson, Red Bull’s Chief Track Engineer.
“It’s all about getting everything to come together perfectly. But changing all four wheels in the quickest possible time simultaneously is extremely challenging!”
Red Bull Pursues Pit Stop Record
Jonathan Wheatley reveals that the wider rear tires are the key determinants of the final pit stop time.
“For the front wheels, the best we can achieve is about 1.45 seconds, though in practice it’s often around 1.48 seconds. But for the rear, it’s hard to do better than 1.6 seconds, in my opinion. So, that’s what will dictate our final time; it’s our ultimate goal.”
“When I watch a pit stop, I see something beautiful when everything goes right. It’s the human contribution to motor racing that I find extraordinary.”
Despite the challenges, Red Bull continues to set the standard in the pit lane, having been the fastest team on average for the sixth consecutive year in the 2023 season. Wheatley attributes this consistency to a particular incident.
“We were deeply affected by the incident with Mark Webber’s wheel at the 2013 German GP. The wheel came off and hit a cameraman, Paul Allen, causing him several fractures.”
“That was a traumatic event for the team, and we vowed ‘never again.’ Since then, we’ve reviewed and improved everything continuously. Safety first, then speed. New equipment. Safety again, improved speed, and so on.”
“I think we’ve reached a point where I don’t hold my breath during a pit stop anymore.”
Red Bull Chases Record Pit Stops Red Bull Chases Record Pit Stops
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