Stroll Reveals Rule Exploitation Led to victory Over Verstappen in 2020 Turkish Grand Prix
Lance Stroll has disclosed a strategic maneuver involving Formula 1’s tire pressure regulations that contributed to his surprising victory over Max Verstappen during the challenging 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver admitted to deliberately operating outside the established parameters, a tactic that ultimately proved accomplished in securing a podium finish and outperforming the then-rising star Verstappen.
The revelation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of F1’s tire management rules, which have undergone important revisions in recent years. Previously, Pirelli and the FIA adjusted minimum tire pressures event-by-event, responding to track conditions and blistering risks. Stroll’s account highlights a period of greater versatility,where teams could strategically push the boundaries of these regulations.The current regulations,implemented to enhance safety and predictability,now enforce stricter minimum starting pressures and limit tire heating methods.
During the rain-affected 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, Stroll and his Racing Point team took a calculated risk. “We were running very low pressures, probably lower than anyone else,” Stroll explained. “It was a bit of a mess around with the rules, to be honest. We were trying to find the sweet spot, and it worked.” The gamble paid off as Stroll secured his first and, to date, only Formula 1 victory, finishing ahead of Sergio Pérez and Verstappen.
Verstappen,who ultimately finished sixth,struggled to get his tires into the optimal operating window on the slick Istanbul Park circuit. Stroll’s willingness to run lower pressures allowed him to generate more grip and maintain control in the treacherous conditions, ultimately giving him a crucial advantage. “Max was struggling a lot more than me to get heat into the tires,” Stroll added. “It was a special day, and it was nice to beat him.”
