McLaren’s journey in the Formula One 2023 season has been nothing short of remarkable, overcoming a rocky start to the season. Despite initial challenges, the team made significant changes, and with the introduction of updates to the McLaren car, they have ascended to a commendable fourth position in the constructors’ standings.
Interestingly, amidst the dominance of Red Bull, McLaren’s Lando Norris managed to break a notable record, an action that has evidently left the Red Bull team somewhat salty. Let’s find out more about it below.
Jonathan Wheatley wants to break McLaren’s record
The F1 2023 Qatar Grand Prix witnessed McLaren achieve a remarkable success with a lightning-fast 1.8-second pit stop on Lando Norris’s MCL60. The impressive pit stop not only outpaced the previous F1 benchmark of 1.82 seconds set by Red Bull at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix but also earned certification from Guiness World Records as the fastest pit stop in Formula One history.
The fastest pit stop in Formula 1 was recorded at 1.80 seconds. It was made by the McLaren Racing Limited pit crew servicing Lando Norris. It occurred during lap 27 of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/uINYiU31xL
— The Coffee Hacks (@HacksCoffee) November 17, 2023
In a season dominated by Red Bull, who secured victory in 21 out of the 22 Grand Prix and claimed the DHL pit stop standings trophy for the sixth consecutive year, McLaren’s record-breaking achievement stands out as a noteworthy highlight. The sting of losing the pit stop may linger for Red Bull, but McLaren’s accomplishment is a testament to their efficiency and skills on the track.
Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, McLaren’s Sporting Director, Jonathan Wheatley, acknowledged the significance of McLaren’s achievement. While injecting humour by mentioning “a couple of weeks of therapy” to discuss the matter, Wheatley commended McLaren for doing an “amazing job” to set the record. However, he also issued a warning to McLaren’s rivals from Woking, indicating that Red Bull plans to adhere to their pit stop strategy and anticipates that everything will “click together” as they aim to reclaim this particular crown.
How many times have the Red Bulls won the Pit Stop Championship?
The world championship-winning team, renowned for its innovative PR initiatives, showcased its creative flair with the introduction of the “pitch black pitstop.” This unique celebration was orchestrated by the team’s pit crew to celebrate their remarkable achievement of winning the DHL Fstest pit stop award for the sixth consecutive year.
Something I noticed from DHL:
— Matt³³⁺¹⁶ (@FM1_3316) October 9, 2023
McLaren performed a 1.80 second pit stop today
The existing record Red Bull has is a 1.82 second stop
If what I saw is right, McLaren now have the world record
This is allegedly the new fastest pit stop in F1 history pic.twitter.com/eFeCPs0HEu
“I’m certainly not saying that I would like to turn the lights out in a race, but being able to pull this off so succinctly, in the pitch black, shows what a well-oiled machine the crew is and testament to the fact we have won six consecutive DHL Fastest Pit Stop Awards. Beautiful work.”
This prestigious award is bestowed upon the team that consistently executes the fastest pit stops on average throughout the Formula One season. In the current year, Red Bull outpaced formidable competitors such as Ferrari and McLaren, securing their dominance in the pit stop standings.
Will McLaren be able to catch up with Red Bull in the upcoming few years? Tell us in the comment section below.
