Use case: Processes in Formula 1

Formula 1, commonly abbreviated as F1, is the highest level of international single-seater racing. However, it is not only a sport but also a complex and lucrative business that generates significant revenues and has a worldwide following.

Teams invest millions of dollars in designing and building high-performance race cars. However, the key to winning is not only in the car but also in the pit stops.

Pit stops are a critical aspect of racing, and teams work hard to optimize their Business Process and improve their times. Quick pit stops can make a significant difference in a race, allowing a driver to gain an advantage over his competitors and potentially win the race.

• Processes in Formula 1
• Why are standardization and optimization important in F1?
• Red Bull case

Formula 1


Formula 1 consists of a series of races called the Grand Prix, held in various countries worldwide throughout the year. Each race usually lasts 300 km or 2 hours, and points are awarded to the top 10 finishers based on their finishing position.


The cars used in Formula 1 are some of the fastest and most technologically advanced in the world. They are designed to be light, aerodynamic, and powerful, with engines producing more than 1,000 horsepower.

Pit stops are a crucial part of a Formula 1 race. They are scheduled stops that drivers make during a race to change tires and make necessary adjustments or repairs.


During a pit stop, the driver will enter the pit lane and pull into his designated pit box, where a team of mechanics will quickly work on the car. The team will change all four tires and may also adjust the car's suspension, wings, or other components to optimize its performance.

Importance of pit stops and their optimization in F1

Pit stops can significantly impact a race's outcome, as they can allow a driver to gain positions by returning to the track with fresh tires or lose positions if the pit stop is slow or the driver incurs a penalty for an unsafe start. Strategically timed pit stops can also be used to gain an advantage over other drivers by pitting before or after them, depending on race conditions and tire wear.

>> Why define the processes that affect the customer experience? <<

The processes involved in pit stops are critical to the success of a Formula 1 team. Pit stops are a race against time; a delay of even a fraction of a second can be the difference between winning and losing a race.

Formula 1 teams work hard to optimize their stopping processes to minimize the time spent in the pit lane. Critical activities involved in a pit stop include:

• Pit preparation: The team will prepare the pit with all the equipment and tires for the upcoming stop.
  
  
• Communication with the driver: The driver will communicate with the team to let them know when he plans to pit and what adjustments he needs.
  
  
• Tire change: The team will quickly change all four tires using standardized equipment and techniques.
  
  

• Adjustments: The team may adjust the car's suspension, spoilers, or other components to optimize its performance.
  
  
• Release: Once the work is completed, the team will return the car to the track as quickly and safely as possible.
  
  

To optimize these processes, teams practice pit stops extensively during the season and employ specialists focusing exclusively on performance. They use advanced technology, such as real-time data analysis, to monitor and analyze performance and improve their processes. Overall, the processes involved in pit stops are critical to a team's success in Formula 1 and play a significant role in determining the outcome of a race.

Red Bull case

The fastest pit stop record in Formula 1 history is held by the Red Bull Racing team, with a time of 1.82 seconds. This record was set during the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made a pit stop on lap 21 of the race.

The Red Bull team has a reputation for being one of the fastest pit stop teams, consistently setting records and achieving pit stops in under 2 seconds. However, other teams have also come close to this record, with the Mercedes team setting a 1.88-second pit stop during the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix.

Teams optimize their pit stops through practice, teamwork, specialized equipment, real-time data analysis, and continuous improvement. By minimizing the time spent in the pits, teams can gain a competitive advantage and increase their chances of success in Formula 1 racing.

Businesses also benefit from defining, redesigning, and continuously improving processes, as standardization can help reduce costs, minimize errors, and increase efficiency, as well as other benefits such as:

• Consistency:  standardization ensures that products or services are consistent in quality, design, and performance. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty and an improved reputation.
  
  
• Efficiency:  Standardization can help companies optimize processes and reduce rework by eliminating unnecessary variation. This can reduce costs and increase productivity.
  
  
• Compliance:  Many industries require companies to comply with specific regulations, standards, or guidelines. Standardization can help companies meet these requirements and avoid legal or regulatory issues.
  
  
• Training and development:  Standardization can help companies provide consistent employee training and development, leading to increased transfer of skills and knowledge and greater efficiency.
  
  
  Standardization can help companies operate more efficiently, effectively, and safely, increasing competitiveness and profitability. At Imagineer, we help businesses define and optimize their processes to run lean and efficiently like a pit crew.