The need for speed is something ‘inborn’ in a vast majority of the population. Racing fans are a huge contingent; whether it is Formula 1 or rally driving, the fans line up just to watch drivers hit high speeds every single day. Working in a pit crew is also a fast-paced aspect of the whole event. The pit crew for Formula 1 is a vital part of the sport, and being a part of a pit crew rather than a driver is something that plenty of people dream of doing.
Working as a member of a Formula 1 pit crew may sound like a great job, but you need to understand it in order to love it. The fundamental members of a pit crew try and repair/replace the vital parts of the F1 car in as quick a time as possible in order to get the car back out on the track.
What happens in the pit?
First, the car enters the garage area where the crew uses wheel guns, specialized tools to undo the nuts around the wheel. The wheel guns are colour-coded to stop the wrong one being used. During this time, the car is ‘jacked up’ by other pit crew members while another member connects the pump for significant fuelling. The jacks used in professional racing are highly specialized and made of thick steel tubing. They operate with a lever and a quick-release button to make the process fast and easy. While the car is on jacks, the rear jack technician checks the starter motor for any errors pertaining to the gearbox, hydraulics, or clutch. Next, all four wheels come off, and the new wheels are fixed to the car. Once they are on, the wheel guns are back into action, tightening the nuts. The jacks are then released, lowering the car to the ground while it continues to refuel. Once the fuelling is done, the hose is removed, while somebody else wipes down the driver's visor before the car is allowed to get back on the track. However, if this is a forced pit stop because the car has gone through significant damage then the ‘damaged’ area of the car will be fixed or replaced as quickly as possible. Of course, if the damage cannot be repaired in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time then the car will be retired from the race.
Summary
Formula 1 pit crews have a fast-paced and exciting job. They are members of a large team who have a big responsibility but at the same time are vastly appreciated. These members also earn good money and get to travel around the world. The combination of specialized tools and synchronized team members is vital to the success of a Formula 1 pit crew. The tools used to work on a Formula 1 car in the pit are similar to tools you may use on your own vehicle, but are much more specialized, which means you need to actually have qualifications in order to get into the pit crew. A job in the pit crew for Formula 1 racing is exhilarating and important because it allows crew members to get up close to the action and be a part of a very exciting sport.
Kristian Sturt - As a writer, I am well known on various sites including People per Hour. I have drafted articles for a long time and am not going ...
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