Strategy has an important role in Formula 1 races. It
is not the fastest car which wins every time. Other factors also play an
important role determining the winner. Tyre choice and pit stop timing
have major role in Formula One.
Pit Stop F1 Strategy
Most of the strategy in Formula One revolves around pit stops. Simply
put, pit stop plays the most important role on the racing track. Let's
understand why?
Pit Stops are not mandatory in Formula One. They why do the cars stop
at pit stops? Why don't they complete the whole distance in one go.
Well. There is a reason. The car big enough to hold enough fuel for the
race would be bulky and aerodynamically inefficient. Small cars are made
for they are race-efficient. But then, the fuel tanks have to be kept
small. Hence the requirement to stop at the pit stops. The cars refuel
themselves there and get the tyres changed.
The whole process at the pit-stops which includes slowing down,
stopping, re-fuelling, tyre-changing and accelerating back up to speed
takes upto 30 seconds. With its speed, a car makes up for this time. The
race distance is never less than 305 km in a Grand Prix, and this gives
opportunity to the drivers to make up for the time they have spent at
the pit stops.
Stopping three times at the pit stop is a viable option today at most
tracks. Every team makes a pit stop strategy before the race taking two
factors into account.
Tyre Behavior
All teams in Formula One races use identical Bridgestone rubber which
comes in two identifications of dry weather tyre. While practice laps,
teams get indication of the wear rates and lap time capability of each
tyre. The tyre manufacturers also study the practice data and advise the
teams. Performance of the tyres depends a lot on the softness of rubber
as well as the chemicals used in it. And of course, the driver's skills
also play a part. More efficient drivers can nurture the tyres of their
vehicles.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel quantity plays an important role right from the qualifying. Rule
declares that fuel cannot be added or subtracted between Saturday
qualifying and the race. This denotes that the cars have to qualify with
enough fuel on board to do the first stint of the race. A team planning
to take three pit stops can take less fuel than the one which would take
two stops.
This decision plays a small, yet a big role, in the race. A half-tank
car is quicker by 2 to 3 seconds than a full-tank one per lap. And with
scores of laps per race, the fuel in tank has a role to play. The team
has also to consider the weight of fuel. The regulations specify the
density between 0.725 and 0.77kg per litre. A full-tank would weigh
around 120 kg with the fuel with most density.
The team also has to keep in mind the fuel a car consumes while racing.
Wearing of Brakes
Brakes wear faster on some tracks. In such a scenario, the drivers have
to take less fuel to lessen the strain on breaks. They have to work out
the combination.
Overtaking
Some tracks have enough space to overtake. But there are tracks where
overtaking opportunities are less. Expert drivers work out a strategy
for overtaking beforehand.
Driver's Skills
The last, but not the least, part is played by the driver's skills.
Different people have varied capacity of handling and nurturing their
cars.
As someone has said, 'A car is as good as its driver'.
Strategy is the deciding factor behind any
spectacular performance in Formula 1. Know how teams derive winning
strategy in F1 races.