Pit Stop

A pit stop is a stop made by a Formula 1 car in the pit lane during a race. Modern pit stops primarily involve tyre changes — a team of up to 20 mechanics can change all four tyres in under 2 seconds. The fastest pit stop in F1 history was 1.80 seconds by Red Bull Racing in 2019. Pit stops are a critical element of race strategy — the timing of stops, the choice of tyre compound, and the number of stops can determine the race outcome. Refuelling was banned in F1 from 2010 to 2024 (it was briefly reintroduced in 2024 for some races), meaning cars must carry enough fuel for the entire race. Pit stops can also be used to repair damage, change front wings, or address mechanical issues.

Pit stops have been part of Formula 1 since the beginning, but their strategic importance has evolved significantly. Refuelling was introduced in 1994 and banned in 2010. The development of ultra-fast tyre changes — from over 30 seconds in the 1980s to under 2 seconds today — has transformed pit stop strategy. The introduction of mandatory tyre compound rules (requiring drivers to use at least two different compounds) has made tyre strategy a central element of race planning.