F1 Mechanic Debunks Myths About Pit Crew Pay and Workload

Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas has publicly challenged misconceptions regarding the demanding work, pay, and extensive hours of Formula 1 pit crew members. His comments came after a social media user downplayed mechanics' roles as merely "three-second work shifts."

Why it matters

The incident highlights a significant misunderstanding about the intense commitment and expertise required from F1 personnel, who are crucial to a team's performance both on and off the track.

The reality of the job

Nicholas, a key part of Max Verstappen's four championship wins, provided concrete figures:

• Average Salary: Closer to £60,000 annually.
• Working Week: Approximately 70 hours.
• Travel: Most fly economy.
• Pit Crew Pay: No additional pay for being part of the pit crew.

He emphasized that no F1 mechanic is solely for pit stops; all are involved in building and repairing the car every weekend. "Only 60 operational personnel allowed at the track, there’s no room for it," he stated.

Evolving demands

While his first salary at 22 felt like a "lottery" at £42,000, Nicholas noted a drastic shift in the sport:

• Calendar Expansion: From 17 races to a projected 24, including triple-headers.
• Engine Complexity: Modern 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid power units require far more workload than the older V8s.

The cost cap's impact

Nicholas believes the F1 cost cap has "screwed over F1 personnel," although he clarified that even without it, pit crew would not earn exceptionally high salaries, such as £350,000 a year.

What happened

The discussion originated from a slow McLaren pit stop for Lando Norris at the Italian Grand Prix, which cost him second place. A social media user, @jrdn44_, made a dismissive comment about mechanics' work, but later issued an apology, thanking Nicholas for the insight.