The moment Red Bull perform rapid pit stop in total darkness
The Red Bull pit crew gave themselves 10 attempts to record as quick a pit stop as possible in pitch black
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Red Bull have set the standard all year in Formula 1 – and now their team of mechanics have taken pit stops to the next level by attempting to complete the task in pitch black!
The world champions secured their sixth fastest pit stop title in a row – decided by consistency over a single season – while McLaren recorded a world record 1.8 second stop in Qatar in October.
But now, Christian Horner’s team have raised the bar again by attempting to perform a stop in total darkness.
The team had 10 attempts and remarkably, on their final try, they went through the process in just 2.84 seconds – a time quicker than predicted by drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
“Some teams in the pit lane would love to do that [2.84 seconds] in a normal race – but to do it blindfolded,” said chief mechanic Lee Stevenson.
“Incredible, absolutely incredible.”
The crew used the RB14 car – Red Bull’s 2018 F1 car – with an electric motor to execute the challenge.
They practiced with black-out visors first, before the entire room was turned pitch black for the 10 attempts.
“I think people are listening for noises, as well as muscle memory,” said front jack man Chris Gent. “It’s not all about seeing it.”
Red Bull will be looking to maintain their run of success in the pit lane and on the track when the 2024 F1 season starts on 2 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments