Strategy analysis and how Ferrari pit wall calls influenced outcome of 2024 F1 Miami GP (video)

Strategy analysis and how Ferrari pit wall calls influenced outcome of 2024 F1 Miami GP (video). Let's review the F1 race strategies at the Miami International Autodrome.

In contrast to the events of Saturday’s Sprint Race, Sunday’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix delivered an exhilarating experience for fans. From Charles Leclerc’s impressive overtake on Lewis Hamilton, to the strategic intervention of the Safety Car propelling Lando Norris from sixth to first position, and concluding with the intense duel between Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz.

A question lingers among fans: would McLaren’s Lando Norris have secured victory in Miami regardless of the safety car’s assistance? Before reaching a verdict, let’s review the race strategies and delve into the tactics employed by all teams on Sunday at the Miami International Autodrome in Florida.

Despite the intervention of both the virtual safety car and later the physical safety car, the race unfolded largely as expected, with most drivers aiming for a single pit stop. Eight drivers, including podium finishers, opted for what seemed to be the quickest option on paper: the Medium-Hard compound combination. However, there were notable differences in stint lengths on the Pirelli yellow compound. Alongside Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc, others employing this strategy included Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly (though Gasly failed to score points).

Ferrari finds itself with little room for complacency compared to McLaren. Without the intervention of the Safety Car, Charles Leclerc might have outpaced Lando Norris. However, Carlos Sainz’s struggles against Oscar Piastri, exacerbated by an incident involving the Australian who was utilizing only partial upgrades decided by the team, cast some uncertainty. Despite strategic alignment, the early pit stop by Charles Leclerc stands out as an anomaly. Here is our full strategy analysis and how the Ferrari pit wall decisions influenced the outcome of the 2024 F1 Miami Grand Prix: