← Writing Still growing 1 min · life

What F1 race strategy taught me about planning a week

Undercuts, tyre windows, and knowing when to box.

A race strategist doesn't plan the perfect race. They plan three or four races at once and keep asking the same question every lap: given what just happened, which plan is still the best one?

I started planning my weeks like that. Not a schedule — a plan A, a plan B, and a clear idea of when to switch.

Tyre windows

Every task has a window where it's cheap to do. Miss it and the same work costs twice as much. The trick isn't doing more — it's noticing when a window is about to close.

  • Box early when the traffic is clear.
  • Don't fight a car you'll pass for free in two laps.
  • AlwaysUsually listen to the pit wall.

This one's still growing. I'll tend it after the next race weekend.

— M.