I was curious the other day about how much those guys who change the tires and refuel the F1 cars make, you know, the pit crew. So I started digging around.
The Search Begins
First, I searched a few of articles online to get a general idea. It turns out the salaries can vary a lot, like really a lot.
- Some articles mentioned that the average F1 pit crew member could earn somewhere between $30,000 and $100,000 a year. I found this range to be quite broad.
- One site, I think it was *, said that some top guys, especially the crew chief, could even make up to $1 million! I thought, “Wow, that’s a huge jump!”
Diving Deeper
Then, I got into more detailed articles. It seems like the money these guys make is not just about their job title.
- Their team’s success plays a big role. If the team is winning and has good sponsors, that usually means more money for everyone, including the pit crew.
- Also, their experience matters. A newbie isn’t going to make as much as a veteran who’s been doing this for years.
- The type of job they do in the pit crew also affects their pay. I read that mechanics, who are more specialized, might make between $40,000 and $80,000.
Putting It All Together
So, what did I find out? Basically, how much a pit crew member makes is all over the place. It depends on how well the team is doing, how much experience the member has, and what exactly they do during those crazy fast pit stops.
I also found an interesting tidbit about the drivers. Apparently, Verstappen, for the third year in a row, is the highest-paid driver, with estimated earnings of $75 million in 2024. That’s just mind-blowing!
After all this digging, I realized that being on an F1 pit crew isn’t just about changing tires. It’s a high-pressure job that can pay pretty well if you’re on a top team and have the skills. Pretty cool, right?
