Formula 1 pitstops are a marvel of speed and precision, with the current record standing at an astonishing 1.8 seconds. This record was set by McLaren's team for Lando Norris' car during the Qatar Grand Prix in October 2023. In a new twist, Red Bull Racing (RBR) took up the challenge to change tires as quickly as possible, but under a unique condition: complete darkness.
In this daring attempt, the RBR mechanics had to adapt to working in pitch black. Initially, they performed the pitstop with their helmet visors blacked out but with lights on. Their best attempt under these conditions was 4.93 seconds. The team then escalated the challenge by turning off the lights entirely. Remarkably, with only the jackmen and driver using night vision goggles, they managed to reduce their time to 2.84 seconds after several tries, outpacing their earlier attempt by more than two seconds.
This extraordinary feat showcases the incredible skill and adaptability of Formula 1 mechanics, even under the most challenging conditions.
Source: Red Bull Racing
