Top 10 fastest pit stops in F1

Pit stops are an integral part of Formula 1. Drivers head into the pits to get a new set of tires at least once during a Grand Prix. Moreover, some might be forced to make an unscheduled stop to change a damaged front wing. As such, the timing of a pit stop can massively impact the race for a driver. The race strategy in F1 revolves around pit stops.

It is crucial that teams call in the cars at the right moment. Usually, drivers can gain a few significant tenths of a second or even a position after a round of stops. F1 teams spend immense resources ensuring pit stops are done as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, this haste can also lead to disasters, such as Felipe Massa’s stop during the 2009 Singapore GP when the fuel hose remained attached to the car.

In recent years, F1 teams have mastered the art of pit stops. Red Bull Racing has dominated the DHL Fastest Pitstop ranking for years now. As the Austrian team continues its domination on track as well as the pitlane. Although, rivals are trying their best to match Milton Keynes. This article delves into ten of the fastest stops in the history of Formula 1.

Discover: Who has the longest F1 career?

Here is the list of the 10 fastest pit stops in F1 history

10. Max Verstappen – 1.98s

Red Bulls are considered the best when it comes to pitstops in F1. The Austrian team made a habit of clocking in the quickest stops on the grid in recent years. Max Verstappen has benefitted hugely from the efforts of his pit crew. Verstappen’s pitstop at the 2021 Azerbaijan GP was just 1.98 seconds. However, this did not help the Dutchman after his tire failed on the main straight, forcing Max to retire from the race.

9. Sebastian Vettel – 1.97s

The 2018 Brazilian GP was Ferrari’s last chance to continue fighting for the F1 Constructors’ title. The Scuderia gave everything when Sebastian Vettel came into the pits. The Ferrari pit crew managed to send the German back out after just 1.97 seconds. This was the fastest pitstop of the 2018 season as Vettel headed back out on a set of medium tires. Unfortunately, this stop could not improve Ferrari’s fortunes, as Sebastian finished P8 in the race.

8. Alex Albon -1.93s

Albon had an unfruitful stint at Red Bull for one and a half seasons. However, the Thai driver was able to capitalize on the team’s swift pitstops. As Albon’s car was only stationary for 1.93 seconds at the 2020 Emilia Romagna GP. This fast stop did not help the 27-year-old’s race prospects as he brought home the second Red Bull in P15. As Alex spun after the safety car restart during the ending phases of the race.

7. Max Verstappen – 1.93s

The first round of the 2021 Bahrain GP witnessed an exciting battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton for the race lead. Verstappen’s efforts were further aided by the Red Bull pit crew’s lightning-quick stop of 1.93 seconds. This pitstop allowed the Dutchman to gain a crucial few tenths over his rival as the two went head-to-head against one another. This would set the tone for the entire season.

6. Max Verstappen – 1.92s

Formula 1 went back to the Nurburgring in 2020 as the Eifel GP. Once again, Max Verstappen and Red Bull were at the forefront of pitstops. With the Austrian team changed the tires of the Dutchman in just 1.92 seconds. The two-time world champion finished the race in P2, behind Hamilton and ahead of former teammate Daniel Ricciardo who got a surprise podium finish.

5. Alex Albon – 1.90s

The Sakhir GP is remembered for the horrendous confusion at the Mercedes garage as the Silver Arrows sent out George Russell on the wrong set of tires, which caused the British driver to fall from the race lead. However, during this chaos in the nearby garage, Red Bull showcased the art of F1 pitstops as the team sent out the Thai driver after a pitstop of only 1.9 seconds.

4. Max Verstappen – 1.90s

The Spanish GP was another showcase of Red Bull’s advantage in pitstops. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is known to be harsh on tires. Subsequently, a faster pitstop would further help a driver to gain over their rivals. Verstappen once again had the fastest pitstop of the race at just 1.9 seconds. As the efforts made at Milton Keynes continued to pay off.

3. Max Verstappen – 1.88s

The Hungarian GP is often referred to as Monaco without barriers. A tight and twisty track focused on the chassis and not the power units. Subsequently, Red Bull had a great chance at the race. However, a first-lap pile-up dropped Verstappen down the order. The Dutchman managed to salvage 2 points in the race, aided by this quick stop of just 1.88 seconds! Eventually, these 2 points became rather significant in the title fight against Lewis Hamilton.

2. Max Verstappen – 1.86s

The Russian GP was a stable part of the F1 calendar before 2022. The race held at the Sochi Autodrome was often criticized for the lack of exciting racing. However, the Red Bull pit crew again displayed their talent at pitstops as Max Verstappen left the garage after just 1.86 seconds. The second fastest pitstop in the history of Formula 1.

1. Max Verstappen – 1.82s

The fastest pitstop in F1 history was at the 2019 Brazilian GP. Unsurprisingly, it was once again the Red Bull pit crew that accomplished this feat as Max Verstappen’s tires were changed in only 1.82 seconds. Verstappen dominated the race after starting from the pole position. This pitstop further cemented a successful weekend. This time is expected to remain unchallenged as F1 introduces heavier tires in the following years.

Thus, this wraps up 10 of the fastest pitstops in Formula 1. Evidently, Red Bull is a league above the rest, with 9 of these stops being done by the Austrian team’s pit crew. This indeed proves that if a team focuses on all aspects of the sport, it will achieve success sooner or later. On the contrary, Williams Racing used to be the pioneer in pitstops a few years ago, but they have dropped the order ever since. Perhaps even these numbers will be displaced in the future.

In case you missed it:

• Who are the Top 10 richest Formula 1 drivers of all time?
• Which F1 driver has the longest career without scoring a single podium?