Talking Bull Building a Winning Race Strategy: Will Courtenay and Hannah Schmitz
May 31, 2024
Will Courtenay, Head of Race Strategy at Oracle Red Bull Racing, brings years of F1 experience, while Hannah Schmitz, a Senior Strategy Engineer, expertly juggles track and factory duties. They delve into the thrilling dynamics of race strategy, discussing their unique communication methods, the pressure of pit-wall decisions, and how they manage risks during unpredictable scenarios like safety cars. They also share their favorite races, the importance of combining data with gut feelings, and their strategies for relaxation after intense race days.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Decode Rivals To Predict Moves
- Teams listen for rivals' coded radio messages to anticipate pit stops and safety car windows.
- Ops room decoding of competitor messages directly shapes live strategy choices.
Keep Strategy Plans Few And Clear
- Prepare only a few viable strategies rather than an exhaustive list.
- Communicate likely plans to drivers so they understand when you might switch approaches.
Review Strategy Constantly
- Review strategy continuously during the race as new data arrives.
- Constantly update models with tyre behaviour, competitors' pace and radio feedback.