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WATCH: Formula 1 Pitstops Evolving from the Old Era to the High-speed New Age

Formula 1 pit stops evolved very much from a 1-minute pitstop to just a 1.80-second pitstop which the McLaren team achieved at last year's Qatar Grand prix.

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Venkatakrishnan
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Pit Stop Old vs New

(Source: X)

Formula 1 is always known for precision and timing. Everything happens for a reason and each action is calculated and done with accuracy. One of those important parts of the race is changing the tyres precisely so that the driver won't lose any time.

Many Formula 1 teams like Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren do this with great timing and help their driver achieve the best possible results in a race weekend. A pit stop should always be 100% accurate when compared with the race. If a pit stop fails then it will be a driver losing a podium opportunity. In 2016 Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo lost the podium due to a Pit stop error as the Red Bull team failed to bring the tyres due for change correctly which cost him the race.

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1 minute to 1.80 seconds Pitstop

The Pit crew plays an important role in helping the driver win a race. They are well equipped with proper gear and tools they change the tyres and also parts like the front wings and even the steering wheel sometimes. But back in the 1970s, these kinds of machines were not available to change the tyres so the pit crew missed high accuracy and speed. In the 1960s it was even worse as the mechanics used wrenches, hammers and screwdrivers to change the car tyres manually using their hands.

Drivers don't even have a drink to refresh themselves so they need the pit stop time to drink some water and again continue the race. Evolution happens in any sport like Formula 1 races. Back in the 1950s, a normal successful pitstop would take 1 minute and even more time. In the modern era, the world's fastest pitstop was achieved by McLaren last year at the Qatar Grand Prix and the team set a world record time of 1.80s. It was very amusing to see how far the sport has evolved in Pitstops. 

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Formula 1 McLaren F1 Red Bull
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