Choosing the right strategy for a Grand Prix involves a bit of black magic... or in reality a series of not-so-complicated mathematical formulas.
To find out how Formula 1 teams determine their race strategies, Auto123.com explored the matter with Laurent Mékies, chief engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso.
''First of all, a lot of work is done at the factory. We perform simulations that tell us the fastest strategy, then the second-fastest, the third-fastest, and so on'', he explains.
''Here's what we do. We anticipate how prime tires and option tires will deteriorate by factoring in the impact of fuel weight. Then, we use a pretty basic mathematical operation that predicts the number of pit stops. But the most important thing, and arguably the most difficult, is to determine with accuracy how quickly the tires will wear out.''
Once at the track, actual numbers gradually replace predictions. ''Tire deterioration is adjusted based on Friday's results. Normally, we make additional adjustments on Saturday, after the qualifying session, taking into account which drivers will surround us on the grid'', says the chief engineer. ''Ultimately, the last few revisions are done live during the race based on who enters the pits and when''.
The team records the number of laps completed with each set of tires. ''Pirelli technicians gauge the thickness of the compound at the end of the second practice session on Friday'', adds Mékies.
''We know how many laps were done with each set and with how much fuel. The Pirelli folks might tell us 'your tires are at 50, 70 or 90 percent right now' or that 'they're good for another 12 laps', for instance''. That means a team can accurately predict the number of laps a particular set of new tires will last.
To find out how Formula 1 teams determine their race strategies, Auto123.com explored the matter with Laurent Mékies, chief engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso.
''First of all, a lot of work is done at the factory. We perform simulations that tell us the fastest strategy, then the second-fastest, the third-fastest, and so on'', he explains.
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| Laurent Mékies, chief engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso. (Photo : Red Bull) |
''Here's what we do. We anticipate how prime tires and option tires will deteriorate by factoring in the impact of fuel weight. Then, we use a pretty basic mathematical operation that predicts the number of pit stops. But the most important thing, and arguably the most difficult, is to determine with accuracy how quickly the tires will wear out.''
Once at the track, actual numbers gradually replace predictions. ''Tire deterioration is adjusted based on Friday's results. Normally, we make additional adjustments on Saturday, after the qualifying session, taking into account which drivers will surround us on the grid'', says the chief engineer. ''Ultimately, the last few revisions are done live during the race based on who enters the pits and when''.
The team records the number of laps completed with each set of tires. ''Pirelli technicians gauge the thickness of the compound at the end of the second practice session on Friday'', adds Mékies.
''We know how many laps were done with each set and with how much fuel. The Pirelli folks might tell us 'your tires are at 50, 70 or 90 percent right now' or that 'they're good for another 12 laps', for instance''. That means a team can accurately predict the number of laps a particular set of new tires will last.