Driver Change
A driver change is when one driver gets out of a race car and another driver gets in to continue racing, usually happening during a pit stop in long-distance races.
In most motorsports, a single driver completes an entire race alone. However, in endurance racing—where races can last anywhere from 6 to 24 hours—it's impossible for one person to drive safely for that long. Driver changes solve this problem by allowing teams to use multiple drivers who take turns behind the wheel of the same car.
The driver change process happens in the pit lane, which is the designated area alongside the race track where teams work on their cars. When it's time for a change, the car pulls into its pit box, and the team springs into action. While mechanics refuel the car and change tires, the current driver unbuckles their safety harness and climbs out. The incoming driver quickly gets in, straps into the multi-point safety harness, and prepares to rejoin the race.
Teams plan driver changes carefully as part of their race strategy. They consider how tired each driver might be, how much fuel the car needs, and when tire changes are necessary. A well-executed driver change can take as little as 60 seconds, though the exact time depends on what other work needs to be done on the car. Every second counts because the car is stationary and losing positions to competitors still on track.
The most famous race featuring driver changes is the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, where teams typically use three drivers per car. Other endurance championships like the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours also require multiple drivers per entry.
Driver changes aren't just about managing fatigue. Different drivers bring different skills and strengths. Some excel in daylight conditions, while others are specialists at night driving. Teams strategically rotate drivers to maximize performance during different phases of the race.
The regulations governing driver changes vary by series. Some championships mandate minimum and maximum driving times for each driver to ensure fairness and safety. Others specify exactly how driver changes must be performed, including requirements for safety equipment and procedures.
Unlike a Formula 1 pit stop that focuses purely on speed, a driver change pit stop balances speed with the complexity of safely swapping human beings in and out of a confined cockpit while simultaneously servicing the vehicle.