FeatureF1 Unlocked

THE STRATEGIST: Rain, red flags and confusion – how do the teams plan for a race like Sunday's Dutch GP?

Former Aston Martin Head of Race Strategy

Bernie Collins
Share
ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 27: The FIA Safety Car leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is always a hectic race for the strategists. The quick 70-second lap time, difficulty in overtaking and high tyre degradation all come with challenges. Since its return to the calendar in 2021, the race has been a sunny affair, but not so this year as a host of new challenges were thrown at the teams and drivers.

Before the weekend began, Zandvoort was expected to be a two-stop race, but with the variable rain conditions the drivers ended up stopping between four and seven times. So how do you set strategy for a wet race – and react to constantly changing conditions, Safety Car restarts and red flags? Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins explains what it’s like for those on the pit wall…

Share

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coming Up

Coming Up

Podcast

F1 EXPLAINS: Suits, boots and underwear – what F1 drivers race in