F1 Explains: race strategy in 2026 - with Bernie Collins
About this episode
Bernie Collins breaks down how 2026-era F1 strategy is evolving, focusing on why qualifying and race plans are getting more volatile: less downforce means more mistakes, overtaking is easier, and new smaller tyres are harder, more stable, and last longer—pushing teams toward fewer pit stops and potentially earlier/alternative calls. He also explains how teams build circuit-specific race models, how they adjust for new tracks like Madrid, and why resurfacing changes tyre degradation. Quick-fire listener questions cover cost cap spending, grid/pit-lane order rules, and what teams can do during the Bahrain/Saudi break (factory work, limited testing, no full track tests).
So much has changed for the 2026 F1 season. How has it affected the job of a race strategist? The new cars and new tyres mean teams have to think differently when planning their pit stops. Race-winning strategist and Sky Sports F1 expert Bernie Collins joins Christian Hewgill to explain it all.
Bernie also answers your questions on what F1 teams are doing during the April break in racing, how much it costs to race in F1, and what happens when drivers don't set a time in qualifying.
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F1 Beyond The Grid - in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names (including Bernie!)
F1 Nation - expert race previews, reviews and reaction to breaking news - right here on this feed
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