How a Formula 1 Pit Stop Check Lasts Only Two Seconds

It's a well-executed choreography mixed with superior engineering.
Loukia Papadopoulos

Did you know that the Formula 1 crew takes only two seconds to complete a pit stop and change four tires? It's no surprise really as the process is extremely well-coordinated with every single team member working in tandem and doing their part to get the driver back on course in record time.

But it wasn’t always this way. During the first F1 World Championship in 1950, pit stops were only used out of extreme necessity, as opposed to strategically, and lasted upward of one minute.

It was in the 1980s, more specifically 1982, that mid-race, strategic pit stops became commonplace and transformed into the two-second, 20-person choreography we know today.

Today's pit stop crew counts more than 20 members. They work together to fulfill several tasks, including changing the tires, refueling the tank, and repairing mechanical issues that come up during each race.

They are responsible for the difference between a driver winning first place or coming in dead last. How do they learn to work so well together? What training is required to be a pit stop member? What skills do they need to have to fulfill these roles? We answer all these questions in our video and bring you footage of Formula 1 races.

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