Beyond simply changing tires, understand the 'Undercut' and 'Overcut' strategies. An 'Undercut' involves pitting a lap or two earlier than your rival to gain track position on fresh tires. An 'Overcut' is staying out longer on older tires, hoping your rival gets caught in traffic or you can put in faster laps on clear air before pitting. These strategies are highly dependent on tire degradation, traffic, and track characteristics. Communicate with your race engineer for real-time advice and be ready to adapt.
