F1 Beginner's guide to pit stops and tyres

Here's everything you need to know about pit stops in Formula 1, including information on pit crews, records and tyres.

What is a pit stop in F1?

A pit stop in Formula 1 is a brief pause during a race where the car enters the pit lane to receive maintenance, such as tyre changes, repairs, and adjustments, before quickly returning to the circuit.

How do pit stops work in F1?

Pit stops are executed by the pit crew and are done in a coordinated manner to minimise time lost off the track. The car enters the pit lane, where the crew quickly changes tires, adjusts components of the car and makes repairs as needed.

The goal for the pit crew is to complete the stop as quickly as possible while also ensuring safety for themselves and the driver.

What is a pit crew?

A pit crew is a group of highly-skilled individuals responsible for servicing an F1 car during a pit stop, including tasks such as tyre changes, repairs, and adjustments.

Pit crew roles

Front jack

Lifts the front of the car to enable tire changes and adjustments.

Rear jack

Lifts the rear of the car for tire changes and to keep the car stable.

Side jack

Supports the car laterally, ensuring it stays balanced during tire changes.

Tyre on crew

Position and fit the new tyres on to the car during the pit stop.

Tyre off crew

Remove the old tyres from the car during the pit stop.

Wheel guns

Operate the equipment to remove and replace the tyres quickly.

Front wing crew

Adjust or replace the front wing if necessary for aerodynamics or damage repair.

Safe car release

Ensure that the car exits the pit lane safely without causing any incidents with other cars nearby.

What is the fastest pit stop in F1 history?

The fastest pit stop in F1 history is just 1.80 seconds, achieved by McLaren during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

What is the longest pit stop in F1 history?

The longest pit stop in F1 history occurred during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, with Valterri Bottas seeing one of his tyres lodged stuck during a change.

The stuck wheel nut, which could only be removed much later, meant the race was over for the Mercedes star and it has gone down as the longest pit stop of all time at 43 hours and 15 minutes.

Can cars refuel during pit stops?

No, refuelling is not allowed during F1 pit stops. Refuelling was banned after the 2009 season due to safety and cost reasons.

What are the rules for cars in the pit lane?

Cars in the pit lane must follow strict speed limits (typically 60 mph) and follow the safety protocols to avoid accidents. Any infraction of these rules, such as speeding, can result in penalties.

Are pit stops mandatory in an F1 race?

Pit stops are not mandatory but are often required to change tyre compounds during a race. Teams typically make at least one stop per race to comply with tyre regulations.

Formula One Beginner’s Guide: History, format, tyres & more

Who are the tyre suppliers in F1?

The sole tyre supplier for F1 is Pirelli, which has been the official supplier since 2011.

What are the different tyre compounds used in F1?

F1 uses multiple tyre compounds, including hard, medium, soft and wet (intermediate and full wet) tires. Each compound offers different performance characteristics for drivers in terms of grip and durability for the race.

How are the tyre compounds chosen for each race?

The tyre compounds used for each race are determined by Pirelli in consultation with the FIA and the teams.

They take into account factors such as track surface, weather conditions and the expected level of tyre degradation during the race.

How many tyres do drivers get each F1 race weekend?

Each driver is allocated 13 sets of dry tyres for the weekend, along with a number of sets of wet-weather tires, depending on the weather forecast.

The allocation is determined by both Pirelli and the FIA at the start of the F1 season.