World Record 1.82 Second Pit Stop in Formula One Will Blow Your Mind

The Formula One team Red Bull recently set a new pit stop world record with a time of 1.82 seconds. This happened at the Interlagos race, which will now go down in history for this incredible achievement. At the end of the race, Max Verstappen scored his eighth victory in Formula 1.

Formula One Pit Stop Record

At the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Red Bull team took under two seconds to stop Verstappen’s car, change all four tires, and send him on his way. This is astonishing, especially considering how things have changed since the old days of Formula One when drivers had time to talk with their mechanics as their car was serviced. While the new record is impressive, it is also the third time the Formula One racing team Red Bull has set a new record this season.

The casual pit-stop chats were left in the past during the 1990s because the Benetton racing team started using the pit-stop to gain crucial time during the race and close the gap between their vehicle and their competitors. Back then, their pit stops lasted about six seconds, which now seems too long, considering the record set by the Red Bull team during the Brazilian Grand Prix. Still, back then, the team would have to refuel the car during the pit stop, something that is no longer required because Formula One banned refueling not too long ago.

Verstappen Won at Interlagos

Verstappen’s main opponent was Lewis Hamilton, and the pit stop was crucial in helping him beat the British champion. Hamilton had already gone through the pit, and it looked like he would win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. However, Verstappen’s mind-blowing pit stop happened very quickly, and the Dutch racer went right back to the track in less than two seconds. Still, Robert Kubica was released in front of Verstappen and obstructed his path.

After enduring the inconvenience of another driver in the pit, Verstappen ended up behind Hamilton but managed to make the first of his two passes on Hamilton about a lap later. Robert Kubica was eventually given a penalty for the pit stop mishap with Verstappen.