MultiHub Forum

I'm analyzing last weekend's Grand Prix where the top teams seemed to have completely different tire strategies, with one opting for a long first stint on the hard compound and another trying an aggressive undercut with the mediums. I'm trying to understand how the race engineers weigh factors like track temperature, expected degradation, and traffic when making that initial call. For those who follow the technical side closely, what are the key data points you look at during the race to predict whether a one-stop or two-stop strategy will ultimately pay off on a given circuit?

Key data points to watch: track temperature and its evolution, tire wear rate (how many seconds per lap the tire loses as it ages), the pace delta between fresh and worn tires, optimal pit window estimates, and the zone where traffic or undercuts are most likely to pay off. Also factor in pit stop duration and potential safety-car risk.