Sandbagging is a term often heard in F1, in testing and even sometimes through Grand Prix weekends, but what does it actually mean?
During pre-season testing in Bahrain, teams often engage in sandbagging to deceive rivals about their car’s speed potential. The term “sandbagging” originates from posting intentionally slower lap times to hide the true capabilities of the car. This strategy aims to surprise competitors by revealing the car’s full speed during the first race’s qualifying session. Sandbagging can involve using low engine power or harder tyres, or simply not pushing the car to its limits. Rivals use techniques like GPS tracing and fuel load adjustments to detect sandbagging tactics. By disguising their true pace, teams like Red Bull can create a competitive advantage on the track. Stay updated on all F1 events with the 2024 F1 calendar, easily accessible on your smartphone or PC.
