Share

WATCH | Here are 5 of the fastest pit stops in F1 history

The 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix was a race to remember for a variety of reasons but there was one record-breaking feat that went somewhat unnoticed in the pit lane.

How quick a driver is in the pits after a tyre change is imperative to the race and overall strategy, often proving to be the difference between first and second place.

Mere second stops

On his way to claiming a third win of the season, Max Verstappen benefited from a record-breaking tyre change as his Red Bull Racing team removed and installed his tyres in a mere 1.82-seconds, smashing the world record for the fastest F1 pit stop.

READ | Max Verstappen wins crazy Brazilian GP as both Ferraris crash out

While it may look spectacular to viewers watching, there are high risks involved. Take the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix for example: a Ferrari mechanic suffered a broken leg when Kimi Raikkonen mistakenly released too early from the pit lane.


Have you seen a faster pitstop somewhere else that we might have missed? Email us and let us know.

With that said, here are some of the fastest pit stops in F1 history:

1. Red Bull at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix - 1.82-seconds

1.82-seconds. That is the amount of time Max Verstappen spent with his pit crew when he came in for a tyre change. At the time no one on the team knew it, but it was a world record.

According to Formula 1, it broke the previous record of 1.88-seconds. They are now the immediate front-runners in the DHL Fastest Pit Stop AwardsIt doesn't look as if anyone will be eclipsing that record anytime soon.

2. Red Bull at the 2019 German Grand Prix - 1.88-seconds

This was the 'time to beat' once again also set by Red Bull earlier this year at the German grand prix. They clocked a then-record time of 1.88-seconds and it remained that way until last week.

The rainy conditions made things worse on the day and it was once again Max Verstappen as the pilot or mastermind behind the world-record pitstop.

3. Red Bull at the 2019 British Grand Prix - 1.91-seconds

Oh no not them again! Yes, its once again Red Bull claiming another spot on this list with yet another lighting-fast pitstop and you can see what it means to them afterwards.

This time it wasn't Verstappen behind the wheel, but his former team mate and current Toro Rosso driver, Pierre Gasly.

4. Williams at the 2016 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - 1.92-seconds

Williams might not be doing so well now, but they certainly knew how to get a driver out of the pits quick. This time around it was Felipe Massa who arrived in the Williams pit box at the end of lap 7.

According to Formula 1, a Welsh hospital contacted them in the same year to apply their pit stop know-how in resuscitating newborn babies. Before the dominance of Red Bull, it was Williams who crafted the art.

5. Red Bull at the 2013 United States Grand Prix - 1.923-seconds

The list starts and ends with Red Bull, this time though it was in 2013 before the age of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon. It was Mark Webber behind the wheel on this occasion.

This record stood for some time until it was broken, although by the smallest of margins, by Williams and Felipe Massa in 2016.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()