Pit crew will have a tough time in 2022: 'That will have an impact'

In 2022, Formula 1 will introduce brand new cars, but these changes will not only mean adjustments for the drivers. For the pit crew, the work will be a lot harder as well.

Heavier wheels in 2022

One of the big changes to the new cars for 2022 is that Formula 1 will replace the 13 inch rims with 18 inch wheel covers. The full wheels will be a lot heavier due to this change. According to McLaren's technical director James Key, the pit stops will be modified as a result.

"It will have an impact because the wheels are obviously shaped differently and they are heavier, so you have to get used to it," Key explains at Motorsport.com. But in addition to the wheels themselves, there will also be a change just above the wheels. In fact, from 2022, cars will be required to have a 'mudflaps' above the front wheels.

"Obviously they're not mudflaps, they're aerodynamic designs, but they look like mudflaps. They don't get in the way unless you misplace them of course. But definitely pose an obstacle for the people who are replacing and removing the front wheel," Key says.

McLaren already working on the new pitstops

For the pit crew, it will be a lot of work and adjustment, also because the cars are heavier and the front wing now sticks out in front of the nose. But Key reveals that McLaren has already started to improve their pit stops in 2022.