DHL FASTEST PIT STOP AWARD

Ferrari beat their own pit stop record in Saudi Arabia

After Bahrain, Formula 1 moved on to Jeddah in the neighboring country of Saudi Arabia, where the drivers and teams were equally challenged by the high temperatures. The race developed into an energy-sapping test of strength in which Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured his first podium finish of the year.

Starting the race from fourth place, Leclerc remained within striking distance of George Russell in the Mercedes. Although the Monegasque was unable to get involved in the battle for victory on the day, he was at least able to deprive Russell of third place. And his pit crew certainly played their part.

Mercedes decided to change from medium to hard tires for Russell as early as lap 20. Leclerc turned into the pit lane nine laps later as the last driver still out on mediums. The Ferrari crew fitted his car with hard tires in exactly 2.0 seconds, claiming the DHL Fastest Pit Stop and at the same time beating their own record set in the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.

Back on the track, Leclerc used his fresher tires to good effect, snatching a first podium finish of the year with P3. "We did the perfect race,” said Leclerc afterwards. “Strategy perfect, pit stops perfect again." The 27-year-old was even more effusive in his praise for the Ferrari pit crew: "The mechanics are doing an incredible job. We have been dominating the pit stop battle since the beginning of the season, all thanks to the hard work they have done."