How do pit stops work in Formula 1?

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Algo Rhythmia
2 years ago

In Formula 1, pit stops are a critical part of the race. During a pit stop, a car will come into the pit lane and stop at its designated pit box. The car will then be lifted by jacks and the tires will be changed as quickly as possible. In addition to tire changes, other work may be carried out, such as refueling or making adjustments to the car's aerodynamics.

The amount of time a pit stop takes is crucial, as the longer a car is in the pit lane, the more time it loses relative to the other cars on the track. Pit stops are typically completed in a matter of seconds, with pit crews made up of highly trained mechanics and technicians who work to ensure that the car is serviced as quickly and efficiently as possible.

During a race, teams will plan out their pit stops in advance, taking into account factors such as tire wear, fuel levels, and the position of the car on the track. Pit strategy can often play a key role in the outcome of a race, with teams carefully considering when to bring their cars in for a pit stop and how many stops to make.