What Is a Pit Stop in F1?

A pit stop is when a Formula 1 driver leaves the track and enters the pit lane so the team’s mechanics can change tyres and, if necessary, make repairs to the car. A typical tyre change is completed in under three seconds by a team of around twenty mechanics working simultaneously. Each mechanic has a specific role, and the pit stop is one of the most precisely choreographed moments in sport. Strategy decisions around when to pit — and what tyres to take — can determine the outcome of the entire race.

Example: That’s an incredibly fast pit stop — just 2.3 seconds to change all four tyres! The team will be very happy with that.