It Takes 2.84 Seconds To Change An F1 Car’s Tires In Total Darkness

Provided the pitstop is done by Red Bull Racing’s skilled mechanics.

1.8 seconds – that’s the official record time for a pitstop in Formula 1. McLaren’s mechanics achieved this performance with Lando Norris’ car during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix in October. Red Bull Racing has now decided to have a go at the fastest tire change but in different conditions as they turned off the lights.

Despite having to work in pitch black, RBR’s mechanics were only about one second slower. Ok, I know a second can be the difference between winning or losing a race but it’s still an impressive performance. Swapping out those center-lock wheels on Max Verstappen’s RB23 in a whopping 2.84 seconds without seeing anything is nothing short of amazing.

Red Bull F1 car tire change in complete darkness

RBR’s mechanics were first asked to perform the pitstop while the light was on but the visors on their helmets were blacked out. Following several tries, their best time recorded was 4.93 seconds. The lights were then turned off and only the two jackmen and the driver were allowed to use night vision goggles. After several attempts, they managed to shave off more than two seconds from the time achieved while the light was still on.

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