McLaren Focused on Improving Pit Stops to Compete in F1

McLaren Focused on Improving Pit Stops

McLaren has identified pit stops as a crucial area for improvement following recent tire change issues that affected Lando Norris in the last Grand Prix. A slow left front tire change at the Italian Grand Prix generated an awkward situation in the team orders, where Norris lost a position in the pits to Oscar Piastri, but then the position was returned to him. Subsequently, Norris suffered a slow pit stop at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a problem adjusting the nut on the front right wheel, potentially costing him two positions and four points in the championship.

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 it is essential to continue working, as there is a significant improvement available through pit stops. The impact of a pit stop is increasingly important as races become more competitive.

The team is focused on improving both the execution of the stops and the hardware to facilitate the work of the mechanics. The goal is to optimize the interaction between the operator and the equipment, according to Stella. Stella confirmed that the problems in Monza and Baku were not related, but highlighted the need for McLaren to improve its overall performance. In Baku, the problem was due to the interaction between the operator and the gun. McLaren is working to improve the equipment and hardware on the car side to facilitate the work of the mechanics during the stops.