LEADERSHIP
Complex Environment( C)
F-1 is one of the most complex games. A deep understanding of the game; all teams and players; different strategies and tactics played by competitors; and the track is vital. These factors mix to form a complex structure for decision making. Complexity puts constraints on choice making. It also eliminates certain possible choices. For example, using soft tires in the Q2 qualifying round helps to accelerate and secure a position in the Q3 round but it becomes mandatory to start the race with soft tyres( as per the rules of the game). Starting the race with soft tyres limits the choice of scheduling a late pit stop or even spoils the strategy to use only one pit stop during the entire race. Using medium tyres in the Q2 round might harm the chances of getting shortlisted in the Q3 round thereby throwing the player out of the race completely. The track has many twists and turns. One can accelerate only at certain phases of the lap and must be careful on turns.
Different laws of Geometry, Physics and Applied Mechanics( Dynamics particularly) determine the angle of turn and speed drivers can take while turning. Slight violation results in an accident. On certain turns only survival has to be the focus but when a straight patch comes, drivers have to apply a full-throttle fearlessly. He has to constantly keep an eye on the competition but must not get provoked or driven by what they are doing. The driver has to also keep an eye on the inputs from the team but still, he has to use gut feel by being alert and alive. Respecting the advice of the team but trusting our life experience, both are important tasks required to strike a golden mean. F-1 is complex because it is about learning to follow and following to lead.
Ambiguous Environment( A)
Ambiguity prevails in F1 in many aspects like the performance of the engine, performance of other players and weather. The track is long hence different weather might get created at different stages of the lap. Selecting tyres, speed and overtaking opportunities become a big challenge under the ambiguity. Drivers and teams have to use their best guesses while selecting the choice. Racing remains a human skill on account of such ambiguity that can’ t be tackled using the best of the best AI systems.
In the Formula-1 Grand Prix success comes to the team that makes a winning strategy. Their battle strategy is for that race but it integrates into the strategy for the overall championship with 23 races. Strategy is based on the track, competitors, expected weather, expected safety car arrivals, pit stops planned, tyre choices, etc. The strategy has to be flexible and respond to the VUCA environment that is the feature of F1 racing. Players must drive to the plan. Their tactics are equally important like their driving skills.
Focusing on the main competitor, contemplating his strategy, ascertaining our challenges, and playing on our strengths has to be part of the strategy crafting. Delighting the fans( customers, in the corporate language), understanding their expectations while chasing your aspirations is difficult. Putting the team mission ahead of personal ambition, getting on to the podium and making the team manager hold the championship cup are tough tasks to accomplish. Inspiring the other driver in the team but still keeping ahead of him is expected from the champion. Selling your point of view while racing like a rocket, making your partner clear your way, are the critical tactics that can support the strategy.
Fundamental F1 Strategies
Strategies in F1 are the function of the objective of the team and the ambition of the players. A team that holds the current championship cup wishes to continue its leadership status is subjected to the attack by other teams hence they play defensive game crafting strategies accordingly. Mercedes was the champion in the season 2020 hence they were defending the championship. Their lead driver, Lewis Hamilton, had the ambition to be a champion for the 8th time. Doing so would have made him the all-time greatest player in the history of F1. He was sharing that title with Michael Shoemaker. Both won the championship 7 times. Another team Red Bull was hoping to snatch the championship from Mercedes. Their lead driver Max Verstappen was dreaming for his first-ever championship. In the season of F1-2021, we saw Max as the most offensive challenger. Red Bull zeroed down their focus on outperforming
Hamilton. Hamilton was defending Max’ s attack. Thus, we could see offensive strategy by the challenger( Max) and defensive strategy by the leader( Hamilton). Ferrari team knew their challenges and was determined to be the number 3.
All other teams were trying to play the strategy of‘ best in the rest’. F1- 2021 had the distinction of having 4 players who won the championships earlier. But for only 2, all other drivers who won championships for the last 16 years participated in F1- 2021. Lewis Hamilton won it 7 times( In 2008, 2014, 2015 and then 4 times in a row from 2017 onwards), Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, Sebastian Vettel 4 in a row( from 2010 to 2011) and Fernando Alonso 2 times( in 2005 and 2006). Max Verstappen could win the championship only with his offensive stance as he was competing with so many stalwarts. During 23 races of F1-2021, Max secured 18 podium positions, Lewis 17, and Botas 11. The rest of the players were competing for the third position on the podium. In most of the F1 2021 races, fans saw Max and Lewis competing with each other but way ahead of the rest of the pack while others were trying for the number 3 spot.
Strategic Elements
Strategy is just not doing one choice. Strategy is about designing a comprehensive way by combining many policies, actions, and resources. It is the integration of many choices made to win the race for the team.
In Formula-1 racing, success is seen on the racing track but often designed in the decisions made behind the pit wall in terms of strategy crafting. The decision on what race strategy to take is based on huge amounts of research and data analysis. Weeks before the race, the strategists collect data on variables like the time it takes to pit; the average expected pit stop time; the chances and effect of a safety car. The position a driver qualifies and the accurate weather predictions like the chances of rain, likely air and track temperatures, wind speed and direction, etc determine the optimum race strategy. This data is then used, coupled with predictions of the pace of their cars and that of their rivals to prepare the baseline strategy for that particular race. Once at the track, practice sessions provide live information on tyre, engine and
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