Red Bull’s dominance has been unmatched. But a fast car and skilled drivers aren’t enough. In the game of F1, strategy plays an equally important role. Recently, Hannah Schmitz came into the spotlight, especially for ruining Ferrari’s title hopes last season. Over time, she has become a big asset to Red Bull, one they can’t afford to lose.
In 2022, when Ferrari’s blatant strategic errors came to light, people looked to see what was going on with Red Bull’s perfect execution. It was then Schmitz’s mastermind was truly appreciated. A calm and composed strategist on the pit wall, there is no one better to occupy her seat.
So what are the secrets behind the greatest strategic mind on the F1 paddock? It’s as simple as board games.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez owe it all to board games
Much of the credit behind Verstappen and Perez’s easy victories go to Schmitz, who, in turn, credits her billion-dollar ideas to playing board games. Although playing games acts as a vice during her time off, it also plays a big part in her job.
F1 strategy to her “is almost like playing a game, but the stakes are kind of high.” In an interview with the Athletic, she revealed that a university teacher pushed her towards maths and physics, which helped hone those ‘board game’ skills into something bigger.
Problem-solving had always piqued her interest, as Schmitz passionately explained, “That’s really what it’s all about: getting to the root of the problem and then trying to find a solution.”
Her love for automotive drew her to F1, as studying mechanical engineering in college soon translated into a seat at the pinnacle of motorsport. “It’s also the fact that every couple of weekends, you’ve got that competition. There’s something to drive you. It’s immediate deadlines, it’s a very fast-paced environment.”
Thus, the secret recipe behind Red Bull’s repeated success boils down to one thing, and it’s not speed. “It’s not about always running the race in the fastest possible way. It’s about beating your competitors and finishing ahead of them on track. And that’s not always doing what’s fastest.”
Christian Horner highlights Hannah Schmitz’s contributions to Red Bull
A lot of the credit goes to the person sitting in the chair of the chief strategist. With Red Bull pulling off impeccable moves against their rivals, Schmitz has proven to be an important piece in the puzzle.
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Giving her rightfully earned flowers, Horner holds Schmitz in high regard. “It’s a key role, sitting trackside on the pit wall, utilizing all the data and information to make decisions about race strategy. That role is the linchpin.”
A trailblazer for women in motorsport, Schmitz has even garnered her own fanbase. With Red Bull fans relying on her to pull off a masterclass at every race, the legend never fails to impress.
