Formula 1 is as much about strategy as it is about speed. A well-executed plan can mean the difference between victory and defeat, with teams using tactics like undercuts, overcuts, and capitalizing on safety car periods to gain an edge over their rivals. Here’s how these strategies work and why they matter.
The Role of Strategy in Formula 1
Race strategy is one of the most crucial elements of a Formula 1 weekend. Teams begin planning their approach well in advance, analyzing track characteristics, tire degradation, and weather forecasts. However, real-time decision-making during the race often determines the outcome.
At the core of F1 strategy is tire management. Each driver is allocated 13 sets of dry-weather tires for the race weekend, consisting of eight soft compounds, three medium compounds, and two hard compounds. The choice of tire and the timing of pit stops play a significant role in determining a driver’s performance over a race distance.
What Is an Undercut?
An undercut is a strategic move where a driver pits earlier than their direct competitor, aiming to gain track position by taking advantage of fresher tires.
This approach works best when a new set of tires provides a significant pace advantage over worn ones. By pitting first, the driver can produce a faster out-lap while their rival is still on older rubber, allowing them to overtake once their opponent makes a pit stop. The undercut is particularly effective on tracks where overtaking is challenging, such as the Hungaroring and Marina Bay in Singapore.
A classic example of a successful undercut occurred at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel, running in third place, pitted before Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. His fresh tires allowed him to put in a rapid out-lap, while Leclerc and Hamilton lost time on their in-laps. As a result, Vettel emerged ahead of them and went on to claim the race victory.
While powerful, the undercut carries risks. The driver who pits early must ensure they rejoin the track in clear air to maximize their new tires. Additionally, pitting too soon could lead to excessive tire wear later in the race, forcing an additional stop.
What Is an Overcut?
An overcut is the opposite of an undercut. Instead of pitting early, a driver stays on track longer than their rival, aiming to gain time before making a pit stop.
This strategy works in two key scenarios. First, if the driver staying out can maintain or increase their pace while their opponent struggles to build tire temperature after pitting, they can gain an advantage. Second, if the driver running longer has a clear track ahead, they can set quick lap times while their rival deals with traffic.
Overcuts are often seen at circuits like Monaco, where track position is paramount, and overtaking is nearly impossible. In the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton attempted an undercut by pitting on lap 29 to overtake Pierre Gasly. However, he struggled to get his tires up to temperature, allowing Gasly to increase the gap and maintain his position. Sebastian Vettel executed an even more effective overcut, pitting later and emerging ahead of both Gasly and Hamilton.
What Is a DRS Train?
A DRS train occurs when multiple cars are closely grouped together, each within one second of the car ahead, allowing them to use the Drag Reduction System (DRS). However, since every car in the chain (except the leader) has access to DRS, the advantage of reduced drag is negated, making overtaking extremely difficult.
DRS trains often force teams to change strategies mid-race. Instead of battling in a pack where overtaking is tough, teams may attempt an undercut to gain track position in clean air. This allows drivers to set faster lap times without being stuck behind a slower competitor.
How Does the Safety Car Affect Strategy?
The safety car and virtual safety car (VSC) can significantly impact race strategy by reducing the time lost during a pit stop.
When a safety car is deployed, the entire field slows down, effectively shrinking the time difference between those pitting and those staying out. This makes pitting under safety car conditions highly advantageous. A similar effect occurs during a VSC, where drivers must adhere to a controlled pace, reducing pit stop time losses.
For example, at the 2022 United States Grand Prix, a normal green-flag pit stop cost drivers approximately 20 seconds. Under safety car conditions, this loss dropped to just 12 seconds, making it an optimal time for teams to change tires and gain track position.
As a result, teams must be ready to react instantly when a safety car or VSC is triggered. A well-timed stop can be the difference between gaining multiple positions or losing out to rivals who took advantage of the situation.
The Importance of Adaptability
Formula 1 strategy is never set in stone. It requires teams to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s tire degradation, track evolution, or unexpected safety car interventions. Successful execution of undercuts, overcuts, and pit stop timing often determines the race outcome, making strategic calls as crucial as the drivers’ skills behind the wheel.
Mastering these tactics is what separates good teams from great ones, ensuring that every second on track is maximized for the best possible result.
