Pit Lane

Lance Stroll driving the Aston Martin AMR22 in the pit lane in Canada

Pit lane is a crucial term in Formula 1 racing. It refers to the area in the pit lane where teams can service their cars during a race. This area is located adjacent to the main straight of the track and is marked with a line indicating the boundary between the pit lane and the racetrack.

The pit lane is where teams carry out a range of essential tasks to keep their cars in optimal condition during the race. These tasks can include refuelling the car, changing tires, making repairs, and adjusting various settings to enhance the car's performance. The pit lane is also where drivers can make pit stops to change drivers, receive medical attention or receive new race strategy guidance from their teams.

The pit lane is highly regulated, and there are strict rules in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. For example, teams must use designated pit boxes for servicing their cars, and only a certain number of team members are allowed to be in the pit lane at any one time. Additionally, all team members must wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and fire-resistant clothing.

In Formula 1, the pit lane is also where teams can receive time penalties if they break any rules during the race. These penalties can be handed out for various infractions, such as speeding in the pit lane or making illegal changes to the car.

The pit lane is a crucial part of Formula 1 racing, and it plays a critical role in the outcome of each race. Teams must carefully manage their time and resources to ensure they make the most of their pit stops and keep their cars running at peak performance throughout the race.