2024 F1 Qatar GP – possible strategies: pit wall will be crucial for final result at Lusail. Strategies that teams will adopt tonight for the 57 laps of the Qatar GP.

The last Sprint Race of the 2024 Formula 1 season concluded with a significant McLaren double, increasing its lead over Ferrari to 30 points. If the papaya-colored team manages to gain 14 more points than Ferrari at the end of today’s race (44 points in total), they will mathematically secure the 2024 Constructors’ Championship with one race to spare.

Pirelli’s Advice – Lusail International Circuit – 57 Laps
Having already observed the performance of the cars during the 100 km mini-race, we can now provide more precise guidance on the strategies that teams will adopt tonight for the 57 laps of the Qatar GP.

Before doing so, let’s review the advice Pirelli has given to the teams ahead of today’s race: “The one-stop strategy seems increasingly valid. Even though in the Sprint we saw several cars reach the limit of tire wear, this did not cause a significant performance drop. Overtaking is also very difficult, especially if DRS trains form, as happened during the Sprint,” said motorsport director Mario Isola.

“The right compound for the start should be the Medium C2, with the stop likely to occur between the 16th and 24th lap to switch to the Hard C1 and go to the checkered flag. Those starting from the back may opt for something different, using the Hard for the first stint. Those wanting to try a two-stop strategy could choose the Soft to exploit its best potential in the early stages, then continue with two sets of Hard or use all three compounds,” he concluded.

Few Overtakes and One Pit Stop, the Race Will Be Decided in the Pits
The most likely strategy will certainly be the one-stop Medium-Hard, but we don’t fully agree with Pirelli’s statements. The Soft C3 did not perform well at all during the Sprint. The only driver to use it was Zhou, who managed to complete about 50 km (10 laps) on that compound. Not great, considering the GP requires 308.6 km (57 laps). We don’t believe anyone will want to use it at the start. The C3 could at most become an option in case of a late neutralization.

The one-stop strategy looks like the best option on paper, but many teams have decided to keep two sets of Hard tires in reserve for the race. The only drivers who are left with only one set of C1 because the other was already used in FP1 are the Ferrari pair and the Williams duo. These teams will be at a disadvantage if a Safety Car appears around lap 30-35, as having an extra set of Hard tires could prove very useful. At that point, the Ferrari drivers will have to decide whether to continue without making another stop or pit to mount another set of Mediums. Both options are disadvantageous.

As Mario Isola pointed out, overtaking is very challenging due to the track layout. Therefore, drivers will need to focus on getting a good start and exploiting the right moment to pit, as the pit stop will be one of the few tools available to overtake rivals. The undercut is expected to be very powerful, so a good balance will be needed between trying to pit ahead of competitors and not having too long a final stint, which could affect pace in the final laps of the race. The pit wall will be crucial.