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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