Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast F1 Strategy Masterclass with Mike Caulfield
Sep 10, 2025
Mike Caulfield, a former strategist for Mercedes and HAAS, shares his insider knowledge on Formula 1 racing strategies. He discusses McLaren's unique driver autonomy approach compared to Mercedes' controlled tactics. The conversation dives into vital topics like pit stop strategies—undercut vs. overcut—and the intricacies of tire management. Caulfield also highlights the challenges of aerodynamics and DRS, revealing how these elements shape race outcomes and decision-making in the high-pressure environment of F1.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Team-First Strategy Over Individual Freestyle
- Mike Caulfield says teams usually prioritise the optimum team result and keep both drivers on similar strategies.
- Splits happen only when outcomes are within a high confidence threshold or to offset end-of-race tyre characteristics.
Pit Order To Reduce Safety-Car Risk
- Avoid scheduling pit stops that create unnecessary single-lap safety car exposure.
- Consider pitting the following car first to reduce the one-lap safety-car risk for the lead car.
Strategists Influence Pit Crew Performance
- Strategy teams play a major role in pit crew selection, training and equipment optimisation.
- Strategists feel responsible for pit-stop performance because it directly affects race outcomes.