DHL FASTEST PIT STOP AWARD
FORMULA 1® DELIVERED BY DHL
More than just stopping
A Formula 1® pit stop is much more than just stopping, changing tires and accelerating away. Perfect planning and absolute precision at breathtaking speed are needed to get it right first time. Pit stops are just one example of how Formula 1 is a team sport.
Outstanding teamwork
The DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award was established in 2015 to recognize outstanding teamwork and performance from the unsung heroes who make a vital contribution to the drivers’ success on the track.
More than just stopping
A Formula 1® pit stop is much more than just stopping, changing tires and accelerating away. Perfect planning and absolute precision at breathtaking speed are needed to get it right first time. Pit stops are just one example of how Formula 1 is a team sport.
Outstanding teamwork
The DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award was established in 2015 to recognize outstanding teamwork and performance from the unsung heroes who make a vital contribution to the drivers’ success on the track.
Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Fastest Pit Stop Video
Max Verstappen celebrates his 100th race win: Red Bull back on top
The second race of the Formula 1 season was more or less a rerun of the first: Max Verstappen booked pole in qualifying, won the sprint to the first corner, dominated the race and crossed the finish line with a lead of almost 14 seconds. He missed out only on the fastest race lap, which was snatched away from him by Charles Leclerc. Red Bull did, however, come out on top in the pit lane.
"Max sensibly didn't ask permission to go for the fastest lap," said Helmut Marko in his post-race interview with ORF. Instead, it was his team-mate, Sergio Perez. But ultimately in vain - the glory went to Charles Leclerc.
Despite this minor omission (i.e. no Grand Slam this time), Red Bull are well satisfied. "Everything is fitting into place," said the team's Head of Motorsport. "The car is good in the corners, whether they are fast or slow, the pit stops were optimal and the tire wear was also good." He was especially fulsome in his praise of Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman converted his 18th successive pole position into a victory - also for the ninth time in a row. And what's more, it was his 100th podium in 188 Grand Prix starts. "That's 88 podiums I've missed out on," said Verstappen jokingly in the press conference. "No, seriously, I'm very happy. Although I'm not really the type to look too hard at the statistics."
"But it was a very good race," adds the reigning champion, albeit with some minor challenges to overcome. After Lance Stroll's accident and the resulting safety car, he already had to change tires on lap seven - earlier than actually planned: "I knew it was going to be a very long stint to the end!"
While Verstappen was in the pits, Lando Norris stayed out and chalked up his first lead laps of 2024. But when Verstappen had warmed up his fresh tires, he was able to pass the McLaren man with DRS on lap 13. "As soon as I had enough grip, I was able to catch and overtake him pretty easily."
The next challenge was to manage his hard tires for the remaining 43 laps. A lot to ask, even for the RB20 with its reputation for being gentle on the rubber. "But we were able to maintain the pace very well until the finish," says the three-time world champion.
Towards the end, Verstappen was having a few slippery moments when lapping on cold tires. All in all, though, it was another good weekend for Red Bull and the second one-two finish in the second race of the season.
"The car worked really well all weekend. Probably even a little better than expected," says Max Verstappen, not even offering a glimmer of hope to his adversaries ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
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2024 Season
Overall Standings
Fastest Pit Stops of the season
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How the teams’ pit stop times improved during the course of the season
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