How do pit stops work in Formula 1 racing?

In Formula 1 racing, pit stops are a crucial aspect of the sport, as they allow teams to change tires and refuel their cars quickly, allowing drivers to stay on the track for longer periods of time. During a pit stop, the driver pulls into the designated pit area, and a team of mechanics immediately go to work changing the tires and refueling the car.

Each team is limited to a maximum of 18 team members who are allowed over the wall and into the pit box during a stop, and they must all wear protective gear including helmets, fire-resistant suits, and gloves. The tires are changed using specialized air guns, which can remove and attach the lug nuts on each wheel in a matter of seconds. The refueling process is also done at lightning speed, with teams using a fuel rig that can pump up to 12 liters of fuel per second.

The entire pit stop typically lasts between 2-3 seconds, with the fastest stops taking less than 2 seconds. Pit stop strategy can be a major factor in a race, as teams must decide when to bring their cars into the pits and how many pit stops to make over the course of the race.