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# 레이스 · 전략

Undercut

언더컷

This strategy involves making a pit stop earlier than competitors to gain an advantage with the performance of fresh tires. The aim is to increase speed on the out lap to overtake competitors who complete their pit stops later.

언더컷 이미지

🏆 Structured Case

Race Event

The undercut that put Verstappen ahead in France

2021 2021 French Grand Prix Race

At the 2021 French Grand Prix, Max Verstappen pitted on Lap 18 before race leader Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen used the extra grip from his fresh tyres to produce a strong out-lap, and when Hamilton stopped one lap later the Red Bull moved ahead. The key to an undercut is not simply stopping first, but gaining enough lap time on fresh tyres to overturn the existing gap.

Why this term matters

This is a clear example of an undercut, using an earlier stop and a fast out-lap to reverse track position.

Other connected terms
#Pit stop

📺 Race Context & Viewing Tips

Frequently asked questions

Why can an undercut favour the driver who pits first?
Fresh tyres generally provide more grip than worn tyres and can produce faster lap times. If the driver who pits first uses that grip to set a quick lap, they may gain enough time to emerge ahead when the rival pits later.
Does an undercut always work?
No. Its effectiveness depends on tyre warm-up, the performance difference between old and new tyres, pit-stop time, traffic and track conditions. An undercut can fail if the new tyres take too long to work or the driver gets stuck in traffic after leaving the pits.

💡 Related Terms

#Out Lap#Pit stop

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