McLaren Focused on Improving Pit Stops to Compete in F1

McLaren Focused on Improving its Pit Stops

McLaren has identified pit stops as a key area for improvement, following the slow tire changes that affected Lando Norris in the last two grands prix. A slow left front tire change at the Italian Grand Prix caused an awkward team orders exchange for McLaren, as Norris lost a position in the pit stops to Oscar Piastri, but then regained the position. Norris also suffered a slow stop at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a problem when placing the nut on the front right wheel, potentially costing him two positions, and four points in the championship, at the end of the race.

Definitely, in terms of pit stops, that is an area where we have already focused our efforts.

Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal

Stella added that the team needs to keep working on this aspect, as there is a significant improvement available through pit stops. He also highlighted the growing importance of pit stops in the competition, as the action on the track becomes increasingly close.

The team plans to work on this aspect for the rest of the season and also for next year’s car, both in the execution of the stop and in the hardware, so that it is easier and more natural for the team. Stella confirmed that the problems in Monza and Baku were not related, but pointed out the need for McLaren to improve its overall performance. The team director stated that the problem in Baku was related to the interaction between the operator and the gun, but that they know they are not optimizing the hardware. The team is working to improve the car’s equipment and hardware to facilitate the work of the pit crew.