DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award 2018

Formula 1®

A Formula 1® pit stop is much more than just stopping, changing tires and accelerating away. Perfect planning and absolute precision at breath taking speed are needed to get it right first time. Pit stops are possible the most visual evidence of why a Formula 1® is a team sport.

The DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award was established in 2015 to recognize outstanding teamwork and performance from the ‘unsung heroes’ who make a critically important contribution to the drivers’ success on the track.

Yas Marina Circuit

FORMULA 1 2018 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

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Fastest Pit Stop Video

Going into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, only 20 points separated Red Bull Racing and Ferrari in the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award. This was down to a late blossoming of form by the Scuderia who had been steadily reducing the gap after the summer break. Ultimately, though, Red Bull held on to win the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award for the first time.

The outcome was decided early on in the 21st and final race of the season. Kimi Räikkönen was forced to retire due to a technical problem before he had even taken his first pit stop, which consequently diminished Ferrari’s chances. When Sebastian Vettel was up on the jacks for 3.77 seconds during his tire change, it was clear that the title was heading Red Bull’s way.

Red Bull then clinched the title in style. First Max Verstappen was dispatched in 2.08 seconds, and not long after Daniel Ricciardo in 2.24. Indeed, the two fastest stops of the race were both carried out by the Red Bull crew – the mark of a worthy title winner.

“It’s been a great performance by the team all season, and I’m delighted that the pit stop crew won the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award,” said Team Principal Christian Horner.

A grand total of 538 pit stops were completed in the 2018 season. The fastest of these was performed by the Ferrari crew in Brazil when they sent Sebastian Vettel on his way in just 1.97 seconds. It was also the only stop under two seconds. The world record remains at 1.92 seconds.

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2018 Season

Red Bull Racing for the first time

Overall Standings

Fastest Pit Stops of the season

Season Averages

How the teams’ pit stop times improved during the course of the season

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2018 Fastest Pit Stop

Red Bull Racing wins the
2018 DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award