How to make a difference off the track: demystifying the art of race strategy

Handling chaos: Tom McCullough, performance director at Aston Martin F1 team, says the hardest bit to teach strategy engineers is what to do when things go off plan. (Source: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)

Gaining an edge: Ruth Buscombe, head of strategy at Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 team, says strategists can make the biggest difference in rain-affected races. (Source: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)

After the first three races this year, Charles Leclerc held a significant lead over title rival Max Verstappen. The Ferrari driver had won two races and finished second in the other whereas Verstappen had retired from two.