Red Bull play down world record chances after regulation change

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is doubtful his team will be able to trouble its own world record for the fastest F1 pit stop in 2022.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit has dominated the pit lane with its speed and efficiency of mechanics, taking its fourth DHL Fastest Pit Stop award in a row last season.

Its world record time has incrementally been faster in recent years, but F1's new regulations and Pirelli's 18-inch tyres look set to stop sub-two-second stops over the coming years.

Assessing the effects of bringing in the new specification tyres, Horner said: "It is definitely going to have an impact on the pit stops.

"The tyres and wheels are heavier, more bulky and so having got the world record at 1.82 seconds, I don't think we are going to be challenging it in this first year with these wheels.

"But it is going to be about adapting and refining our techniques and I am pretty sure we can get close to two-second stops even with these tyres."

Red Bull was able to break Mercedes' monopoly over the sport last year with Max Verstappen clinching the world drivers' title over Lewis Hamilton.

Ahead of the new season, Horner explained: "It is always exciting to go racing again. 2021 was such a massive year for us.

"It has been flat out ever since with this new car and it is always exciting at the start of the season to see where we fare compared to our competitors."

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