Valtteri Bottas misplaced virtually 50 seconds at his second cease within the Bahrain GP with a cross-threading concern on the entrance axle.
In final weekend’s Saudi Arabian race Zhou Guanyu was delayed by an analogous downside for round 25 seconds when he pitted.
The Chinese language driver was one among solely 4 drivers to not have stopped when the protection automotive got here out, and regardless of having to take care of some cooling points he was on target to complete eleventh.
Workforce consultant Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirmed that the workforce is engaged on addressing the issue.
“To start with, for me, it is essential to say that was not the error of our mechanics or crew, they’re doing a extremely good job,” the Italian instructed Motorsport.com.
“We all know that now we have an issue, now we have a difficulty that has been the identical in Bahrain on Valtteri’s automotive, and this time on Zhou’s automotive.
“So now we have investigated, and we’re working to repair this downside as quickly as attainable. And we’re revising the components with a view to not have this downside once more within the subsequent races.”
Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Workforce Kick Sauber C44 within the pit lane
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
In an try to provide faster stops this yr the workforce made modifications, which is able to now be reviewed.
“We’ve new tools, now we have a brand new design of all of the components,” mentioned Alunni Bravi. “In fact, there’s something that must be improved.
“And we’re working in all of the areas with a 360 diploma strategy with a view to have a constant pit cease, a fast pit cease, but in addition to not have any form of downside.
“For us it is essential now as a result of now we have had this downside within the final two races. So we can not afford to have a difficulty in the course of the races, as a result of the potential of the automotive is there to battle for the factors.
“And now we have in fact jeopardised this chance each in Bahrain and in Jeddah due to a difficulty. It is one thing on our facet that now we have investigated, and we’re working to repair.”
Racing director Xevi Pujolar agreed that the pit cease concern is a vital activity for the workforce earlier than the following race in Australia.
“I believe it is clear that also we’re not the place we need to be,” he mentioned. “And we have to do some additional modifications for Melbourne. As a result of we’re too fragile, I’d say.
“It is nothing improper with the crew, with mechanics, they’re doing I’d say an affordable job. However we had an issue once more. So we simply must now examine and attempt to give you some containment for the following race, simply to be extra strong.
“We’re inflicting a cross thread. And it takes time, as a result of now we have to alter the wheel nut.”
