Alex A.
Published on Nov 2, 2023
Wet weather races are the great equalizer in Formula 1, where driver skill and strategy come to the forefront. Using our advanced simulation tools, we explore the critical crossover point between Intermediate and Full Wet tires at a damp Silverstone circuit. This decision is one of the most difficult a strategist has to make. The crossover point is the theoretical lap time at which it becomes faster to switch from one tire compound to another as the track dries. Our models take into account dozens of factors, including the volume of standing water, the rate of track drying, ambient temperature, and the car's specific setup. At a track like Silverstone, the high-speed corners like Maggots and Becketts can hold water for much longer than the straights, making the crossover decision incredibly tricky. A wrong call, even by one lap, can cost upwards of 20 seconds and completely derail a race.