The final Dash Race of the 2024 System 1 season concluded with a major McLaren double, growing its lead over Ferrari to 30 factors. If the papaya-colored staff manages to realize 14 extra factors than Ferrari on the finish of in the present day’s race (44 factors in whole), they are going to 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 automobiles 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 automobiles attain the restrict of tire put on, this didn’t trigger a major efficiency drop. Overtaking can also be very tough, particularly if DRS trains type, as occurred in the course of the Dash,” stated motorsport director Mario Isola.
“The proper compound for the beginning must be the Medium C2, with the cease more likely to happen between the sixteenth and twenty fourth lap to modify to the Exhausting C1 and go to the checkered flag. These ranging from the again could go for one thing totally different, utilizing the Exhausting for the primary stint. These eager to strive a two-stop technique may select the Comfortable to take advantage of its greatest potential within the early phases, then proceed with two units of Exhausting or use all three compounds,” he concluded.
Few Overtakes and One Pit Cease, the Race Will Be Determined within the Pits
The most certainly technique will definitely be the one-stop Medium-Exhausting, however we don’t totally agree with Pirelli’s statements. The Comfortable 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 the beginning. The C3 may at most turn into an choice in case of a late neutralization.
The one-stop technique appears like the best choice on paper, however many groups have determined to maintain two units of Exhausting 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 might be at an obstacle if a Security Automobile seems round lap 30-35, as having an additional set of Exhausting tires may 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 may be very difficult because of the observe structure. Due to this fact, drivers might want to concentrate on getting a very good begin and exploiting the proper second to pit, because the pit cease might be one of many few instruments obtainable to overhaul rivals. The undercut is anticipated to be very highly effective, so a very good stability might be wanted between attempting to pit forward of rivals and never having too lengthy a remaining stint, which may have an effect on tempo within the remaining laps of the race. The pit wall might be essential.