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Formula 1 pit stop, 1973 style (+video)

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Khatir Soltani
During this year's Grand Prix of Germany, the McLaren team executed the fastest tire change in the history of Formula 1 in just 2.31 seconds. But almost 40 years ago, the pit stops were not a common procedure in Grand Prix racing.

During the 1973 U.S. Grand Prix in Watkins Glen - the last race of the season -- Emerson Fittipaldi was forced to pit after he flat-spotted his tires avoiding a spinning Jody Scheckter.

In the video, we see Lotus boss Colin Chapman and team manager Peter Warr discussing the pit stop.



Fittipaldi comes in his Lotus 72, and there is no jack to lift the car! The tire change takes forever, and when Fittipaldi lights it up when he leaves the pits, he rolls on the hose of the air gun!

The Brazilian eventually finished the race in sixth place.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada