Why F1 strategic thinking must encompass more than pitstop timings

Strategy has evolved massively in recent years and, as PAT SYMONDS explains, has become a key tool for F1 teams. But don't make the mistake of thinking it only takes pitstops into account...

For many the 1982 Austrian Grand Prix will be remembered for the incredibly close finish as Elio de Angelis’s Lotus claimed victory from the Williams of Keke Rosberg by just 0.05 seconds. For me, however, the outstanding memory was being in the pitlane as Nelson Piquet came in for what was the first planned pitstop for tyres and fuel of the modern era. 

I was with Toleman at the time and although both our cars retired early, I’d stayed on the pitwall to watch the race unfold. In those days there was no pitlane speed limit and the velocity at which the car entered the pits was staggering. The stop itself took around 25 seconds, 10 times today’s standard.