Mercedes Explain How Verstappen’s Magnificence Caused Damage to Hamilton’s Strategy
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The United States GP brought out the importance of strategy as the championship leaders had a close result in the COTA. As Max Verstappen doubled his championship points ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes has had the time to look back at their Sunday in Austin.
James Vowles, the Chief Strategist for Mercedes F1, went over the weekend for the latest Race Debrief. Vowles also touched upon the pit stop strategies that played an important role in the overall race. As the checkered flag drew near, the question arose: What if Lewis also started his second stint earlier?
Red Bull surprisingly called in Verstappen early for his second pitstop as a part of their aggressive strategy. Vowles explained how regardless of Lewis pitting a lap or two earlier, it would have made no difference in the result.
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“One laps or two laps earlier, he still, end of race, would have tires that allow him to approach Verstappen; but I doubt it would have allowed him to overtake.” Did the team really have no hopes of finishing first?
Mercedes’ compromise in the race
James Vowles explains in great detail that a compromise has to be made by the team. For every lap that the driver goes shorter, the tires will be a lap younger. Tire degradation acts as another factor in this compromise; especially in Austin, where degradation was so high.
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To have had been in the battle to overtake Verstappen, Hamilton would have needed a bigger tire differential between his car and the Red Bull. However, controlling the tire performance and degradation is tricky. The part that the team can control is when they pit their driver. The part that they had no control over is Verstappen’s tire management.
Vowles explained how Max’s control of the car added to their affliction. “[Verstappen] was predicted to fall off the tire curve, and he did. But he only did that on the very last lap of the race.”
Vowles also said, “had that happened a lap or two earlier, I think you would have seen a very different race.”
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Max and Lewis wrote yet another thrilling chapter in this year's title race before a packed house at @COTA 🇺🇸🙌
The story of this incredible season continues in Mexico 💪 #USGP 🇺🇸 #F1 pic.twitter.com/UZZBaCtMwI
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 26, 2021
Red Bull managed their final stint very well, with Verstappen operating well on the corners, which eventually gave Lewis time to catch up to his rival, which was in the final lap and a half. That was when the Dutchman unleashed the Lion and picked up pace in his car, making it to the line.
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Mercedes had stopped Lewis on an optimal lap; however, Verstappen didn’t run out on tires, wreaking havoc on their strategy. With Red Bull dispelling the idea of favoring circuit, the Silver Arrows now head to Mexico and Brazil; circuits known to be Red Bull strongholds. Will the Brackley team overthrow their rivals on their home ground?
Watch this story: Max Verstappen Beats Lewis Hamilton But Shaquille O’Neal Takes Center Stage: Best Moments from US GP