How F1’s 2022 rules revamp has shaken up the pitstop arms race

Heavier wheels and new rules have made pitstops an even more challenging art to master. But this is Formula 1, so the sharpest teams will always find a few tricks says LUKE SMIITH

“Box this lap, box this lap, please confirm.”

After a reply “box this lap, confirm” and a brief squeeze of acceleration coming out of the right-hand corner which forms the Hungaroring’s pit entry, Daniel Ricciardo hits the brakes and downshifts before thumbing the pit limiter button on his steering wheel, bringing his speed down to a steady 80km/h.

Decked out in orange suits and powder-blue helmets, the McLaren crew awaits in precise positions, hoping their accuracy is reciprocated. Luckily, Ricciardo is no stranger to this. Using the marker board on his left as a guide, he slows and swings the McLaren MCL36 right before pivoting back left into the outlined pit box, grazing the yellow arrow above the front jack with the tip of the car’s nose.