Hypercars Facing Reduced Stint Lengths at COTA

Key Points:

• Hypercar teams at the 6 Hours of Circuit of The Americas will face a 10-15% reduction in maximum stint energy, leading to shorter stints and requiring an additional pit stop, according to Toyota Racing technical director David Floury.
• Toyota driver Brendon Hartley noted that this change will reduce stint lengths by 3-4 laps compared to last year, shifting the race strategy from six stints to nearly seven and increasing the use of double stints on tires.
• Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA driver Jack Aitken highlighted that the shorter stints will open up more strategic options, especially under hot conditions, and may lead to more single-driver stints rather than traditional double-driver stints.
• The adjustment is believed to be aimed at preventing stint length overlap between Hypercars and LMGT3 cars, thereby reducing pit lane congestion and improving race flow on the 3.426-mile, 20-turn circuit.
• Despite the changes, Toyota’s Floury emphasized that the rule applies equally to all teams and is not expected to drastically alter the competitive balance, though it will require teams to adapt their tire and driver management strategies.