F1 Explains: race strategy in 2026 - with Bernie Collins

In this episode of F1 Explains, host Christian Hewgill is joined by former Formula 1 strategist and Sky Sports F1 commentator Bernie Collins. They discuss significant strategic changes in the current F1 season, emphasizing how these changes impact races and strategies. Collins notes that the strategy up until the race has largely remained the same, but qualifying has become more volatile, with drivers experiencing more errors due to reduced downforce. The episode highlights how overtaking has improved due to changes in car size and battery deployment, contributing to more dynamic races.

Collins elaborates on the new tires introduced this year, stating they are harder and provide less degradation, allowing for longer stints between pit stops. This shift leads teams to consider more aggressive strategies, as overtaking becomes less risky. For instance, teams might choose a two-stop strategy knowing that their drivers can recover places more easily during the race.

The discussion also covers how strategies vary from track to track, affected by factors such as pit loss, tire performance, and weather conditions. The importance of data from previous races to influence current strategy is explained, along with the challenges teams face on new tracks where historical data is limited. The episode wraps up with Q&A from listeners about various aspects of racing, further illuminating the complex world of F1 strategy.