nospam
understanding how the car handles is not the same as being a mechanic.

Eric Stevens
That's your definition. Who is it then that adjusts wheel alignment settings, suspension settings, wings, tire pressure adjustment etc ..

nospam
mechanics.

Tony Cooper
Actually, the pit crew is a team of specialists. Generally, when we use the word "mechanic", we are referring to a person who works on or repairs the drive train of a vehicle...engine and transmission. The pit crew people specialize in adjustments to the vehicle, fueling, and tire changing. While they probably have some mechanical skills, the real "mechanics" are back in the garage. I doubt if any race driver refers to his pit crew as his "mechanics".