Overcut Strategy

About

The overcut strategy in Formula 1 involves a driver staying out on the track longer than their immediate rivals before making a pit stop. This approach is designed to maximize the performance of worn tires by maintaining or increasing pace relative to competitors who have already pitted. By doing so, a driver can potentially gain a position when they eventually pit, as their rivals may struggle to generate speed on fresh tires if they cannot quickly achieve optimal tyre temperature. Key factors in executing an overcut successfully include the ability to manage tire wear effectively, maintaining a consistent pace on worn tires, and capitalizing on cleaner air to set faster laps. The strategy is particularly effective at circuits where overtaking is difficult, such as Monaco, where maintaining track position is crucial. It also requires careful timing to ensure that the driver can pit and rejoin the race ahead of their competitors, often relying on the performance drop-off of rivals on new tires during their out-laps.