Formula 1

The 15 Fastest Pit Stops in Formula 1 – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

In Formula 1, speed isn’t just about the race track — it’s about the seconds (or fractions of seconds) gained in the pit lane. A pit stop can make or break a race, and the fastest crews in F1 history have pushed the limits of human coordination, precision, and performance.

This list celebrates the 15 fastest pit stops ever recorded in Formula 1, starting from number 15 and working our way to the all-time record. These moments highlight not just the drivers but the unsung heroes behind the wheel: the pit crews.

15. 1.93s – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) – Belgian GP 2020

Valtteri Bottas
Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

Mercedes demonstrated world-class coordination during Bottas’ stop at Spa-Francorchamps. Their sub-2-second execution set a new benchmark for the Silver Arrows.

14. 1.92s – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – Belgian GP 2022

Carlos Sainz jr
Photo: cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Ferrari’s crew delivered one of their most flawless stops during a competitive 2022 season. Sainz was back on track in a flash, gaining precious seconds.

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13. 1.92s – Felipe Massa (Williams) – European GP 2016

Felipe Massa
AlessioDeMarco / Shutterstock.com

At the peak of Williams’ pit lane dominance, Massa enjoyed this lightning-fast stop in Baku. It was among the top performances that season.

12. 1.91s – Pierre Gasly (Red Bull) – British GP 2019

Pierre Gasly
Photo: Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

Gasly’s Silverstone stop proved Red Bull’s consistency in pit lane excellence. Just hundredths of a second shy of top records, it was still a standout moment.

11. 1.90s – Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Mexican GP 2024

Oscar Piastri
Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

In Mexico City, McLaren’s pit crew executed a near-perfect tire change for the rookie. It underlined their return to elite form in recent seasons.

10. 1.90s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Chinese GP 2024

Max Verstappen
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Red Bull continued their reputation for flawless stops with this sub-2-second performance in Shanghai. Verstappen barely paused before rejoining the race.

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9. 1.90s – Alexander Albon (Red Bull) – Sakhir GP 2020

Alexander Albon
Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

Under the lights in Bahrain, Red Bull once again hit the sweet spot in pit stop timing. Albon’s crew delivered with near-mechanical perfection.

8. 1.90s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Spanish GP 2020

Max Verstappen
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Verstappen’s 2020 campaign featured numerous quick stops, and this one in Barcelona was among the fastest. Every tenth counted as he battled Mercedes.

7. 1.89s – Alexander Albon (Red Bull) – Russian GP 2020

Alexander Albon
Photo: Peter J Fox / Getty images

Another blisteringly fast stop for Albon came in Sochi. Red Bull’s consistency in executing sub-1.9-second stops was unmatched during this era.

6. 1.88s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Hungarian GP 2021

Max Verstappen
Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

At the Hungaroring, Red Bull again proved their pit lane dominance. Verstappen’s stop was timed to perfection and kept him firmly in contention.

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5. 1.88s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – German GP 2019

Max Verstappen
Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

This record stood for a while as the fastest ever. In a chaotic and wet Hockenheim race, Red Bull still managed flawless timing.

4. 1.86s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Russian GP 2020

Max Verstappen
Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

Back in Sochi, Verstappen once again benefited from Red Bull’s elite pit strategy. This exact time matched teammate Albon’s own earlier effort.

3. 1.86s – Alexander Albon (Red Bull) – Portuguese GP 2020

Alexander Albon
Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

In Portimão, Albon enjoyed one of the cleanest stops of the season. With perfect tire synchronization, the crew delivered at championship level.

2. 1.82s – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Brazilian GP 2019

Max Verstappen
Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

This was the fastest pit stop ever at the time and a new world record. Red Bull raised the bar once again with Verstappen’s flawless in-and-out.

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1. 1.80s – Lando Norris (McLaren) – Qatar GP 2023

Lando Norris
Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

McLaren set a new all-time record in Lusail — a jaw-dropping 1.80 seconds. Norris barely came to a halt before his crew completed the stop. It remains the fastest pit stop ever recorded in F1 history.

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