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Press release
Tag Heuer presents Vodafone McLaren Mercedes pitcrew with timeless gift for world's fastest Formula 1 pitstops.
A sub-2.500-second Formula pitstop is completed in less time than it takes to finish reading this sentence.
But celebrating that moment? That's timeless.
And that's why, at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, TAG Heuer, official timekeeper & official watch of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, chose to present the 25 crew members responsible for the world's first sub-2.500-second pitstop with a precious reminder of the value of time.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes pitcrew © TAG Heuer
As a personal thank-you gift from TAG Heuer, each pit-crew member will receive a TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date chronograph as a unique reminder of Formula 1's fastest-ever pitstop (achieved at the Santander German Grand Prix on Jenson Button's car).
The back of each timepiece will be engraved with a message reading ‘world record pitstop – first sub 2.500-seconds'.
Jean-Christophe Babin, President & CEO of TAG Heuer said: “This record is incredible, not only the performance itself but also because it shows how Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is looking to master time and precision as does TAG Heuer! As a partner for more than 25 years, we are really proud of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes' performance.”
Jean-Christophe Babin and Jenson Button © TAG Heuer
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “Every element of a grand prix team works with the complex perfection of a Swiss watch mechanism – and a successful pitstop is no exception. Although it may look straightforward, the successful execution of a stop is the result of hundreds of hours of intense analysis and preparation.
“Nowadays, the closeness of the field means a successful stop can even make the difference between winning or losing a grand prix. This unique gift from TAG Heuer is a timely reward for the entire crew's efforts, but, rest assured, there will be no let-up in focus or determination from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for the remainder of the season.”
Jenson Button said: “A Formula 1 pitstop is the perfect representation of seamless teamwork. Every movement needs to work in perfect sync for a stop to be a success; if a single motion isn't synced, then the whole thing fails to work. Getting it right has become an art-form, and I'm incredibly proud that the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team has worked so hard to become the best in the pitlane. They deserve recognition for their efforts, and this gift from TAG Heuer will be the perfect motivation for maintaining their excellent record.”
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team has been recognised as achieving the fastest race stop time at every race since the Canadian Grand Prix in June – that's seven successive grands prix.
Makes you stop and think, doesn't it?
