Undercut Meaning in Formula 1

An undercut is a strategy to gain position during pit stops. A driver pits earlier than a rival. Fresh tires give faster lap times immediately. Those quick laps can create an advantage. When the rival pits later he may fall behind. Timing is crucial for success. For example a driver pits on lap twenty. He sets two very fast laps on new tires. The rival pits on lap twenty two. After stops the first driver leads. Clean air helps the plan work better. Traffic can ruin the attempt quickly. Teams study tire wear carefully before trying this move.