Driver Change

A driver change is the process of switching one driver for another in the same race car during a pit stop, commonly used in long-distance motorsport events where multiple drivers share driving duties.

This practice is essential in endurance racing, where races can last anywhere from several hours to 24 hours or more. Since it's physically impossible and unsafe for one person to drive for such extended periods, teams use multiple drivers who take turns behind the wheel.

The driver change happens during regular pit stops when the car comes in for fuel, tire changes, or repairs. While the pit crew works on the car, the current driver quickly exits the vehicle and the next driver gets in. The pit crew helps both drivers with safety harnesses and seat adjustments to ensure everything is secure before the car returns to the track.

Speed is crucial during driver changes because every second spent in the pits is time lost on the track. Professional teams practice these changes repeatedly to make them as smooth and fast as possible. A typical driver change can add just 10-20 seconds to a regular pit stop when done efficiently.

Racing rules often dictate how driver changes must work. For example, some series require each driver to spend a minimum amount of time in the car, while others specify exactly how the changeover process must happen for safety reasons.

Teams must carefully plan when to make driver changes based on factors like driver fatigue, track conditions, and race strategy. Sometimes a driver change might be timed with other pit stop activities, while other times it might be done separately based on what's best for the team's overall race performance.

You'll see driver changes most commonly in famous endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and various sports car championship events where teams typically use two to four different drivers per car.