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This stuff is always amazing to watch. Up until a few years ago, when re-fueling was banned, tire changes did not need to be any faster than the time it took to add fuel to the car, hence usually in the 5-6 second range. Now, tire change is the primary agenda for an F1 pit stop, and the act has been perfected. The current record is 1.9 seconds. Yes…1.9 seconds.
Equally interesting in the clip Greg posted is the back-up systems. Note that the rear jack man is actually backed up by a second one in waiting, in case the jack fails.
Also interesting that the action is not symmetrical, in that the left rear tire comes from the opposite direction as the right rear, apparently to allow the rear jack man unencumbered access, rather than having to move into position right next to the new tire carrier. Instead, on that corner only, the tire remover approaches from the rear.
Note that there are two men, one on each side, in the center, whose jobs are primarily to stabilize the car so that it does not rock side-to-side and complicate wheel placement. They also remove debris from the side-pod radiators when necessary.
In addition to the wheel change, note the two men at the front corners are there to remove debris in the front wing and brake ducts. The one on the left front appears to pull a visor tear off out of the wing flap during the stop.
Also note that the four guys operating the air guns (one at each wheel) have bright colored gloves so that the jack men can identify those eight hands in the crowd, and determine that the guns have been retracted, hence the wheel change is complete, and the signal man at the front can then check for other pit lane traffic and release the driver to depart.
Not seen here, but even more dazzling is when an entire damaged nose and front wing assembly are changed in only a second or two more.
What a dance!
Thanks for posting that, Greg.
_________________ Cliff
River City Trio
What if we did all have the same opinions?
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