The final Dash Race of the 2024 Formulation 1 season concluded with a major McLaren double, rising its lead over Ferrari to 30 factors. If the papaya-colored group manages to achieve 14 extra factors than Ferrari on the finish of in the present day’s race (44 factors in complete), they’ll mathematically safe the 2024 Constructors’ Championship with one race to spare.
Pirelli’s Recommendation – Lusail Worldwide Circuit – 57 Laps
Having already noticed the efficiency of the vehicles in the course of the 100 km mini-race, we will now present extra exact steering on the methods that groups will undertake tonight for the 57 laps of the Qatar GP.
Earlier than doing so, let’s evaluate the recommendation Pirelli has given to the groups forward of in the present day’s race: “The one-stop technique appears more and more legitimate. Though within the Dash we noticed a number of vehicles attain the restrict of tire put on, this didn’t trigger a major efficiency drop. Overtaking can be very troublesome, particularly if DRS trains kind, as occurred in the course of the Dash,” mentioned motorsport director Mario Isola.
“The suitable compound for the beginning ought to be the Medium C2, with the cease prone to happen between the sixteenth and twenty fourth lap to modify to the Arduous C1 and go to the checkered flag. These ranging from the again could go for one thing totally different, utilizing the Arduous for the primary stint. These desirous to attempt a two-stop technique might select the Smooth to take advantage of its finest potential within the early phases, then proceed with two units of Arduous or use all three compounds,” he concluded.
Few Overtakes and One Pit Cease, the Race Will Be Determined within the Pits
The almost certainly technique will definitely be the one-stop Medium-Arduous, however we don’t totally agree with Pirelli’s statements. The Smooth C3 didn’t carry out effectively in any respect in the course of the Dash. The one driver to make use of it was Zhou, who managed to finish about 50 km (10 laps) on that compound. Not nice, contemplating the GP requires 308.6 km (57 laps). We don’t imagine anybody will wish to use it at first. The C3 might at most turn into an possibility in case of a late neutralization.
The one-stop technique seems like the best choice on paper, however many groups have determined to maintain two units of Arduous tires in reserve for the race. The one drivers who’re left with just one set of C1 as a result of the opposite was already utilized in FP1 are the Ferrari pair and the Williams duo. These groups will likely be at a drawback if a Security Automotive seems round lap 30-35, as having an additional set of Arduous tires might show very helpful. At that time, the Ferrari drivers should resolve whether or not to proceed with out making one other cease or pit to mount one other set of Mediums. Each choices are disadvantageous.
As Mario Isola identified, overtaking could be very difficult as a result of monitor format. Subsequently, drivers might want to concentrate on getting a superb begin and exploiting the precise second to pit, because the pit cease will likely be one of many few instruments obtainable to overhaul rivals. The undercut is predicted to be very highly effective, so a superb stability will likely be wanted between making an attempt to pit forward of rivals and never having too lengthy a ultimate stint, which might have an effect on tempo within the ultimate laps of the race. The pit wall will likely be essential.