Quasi Steady State Lap Time Simulation for Multi Car Race Strategy Analysis

Since the introduction of hybrid power units in Formula 1, race performance optimization has become increasingly complex, with energy management playing an important role. The 2026 regulations, which remove the MGU-H and increase the MGU-K maximum power to 350 kW, will further amplify this complexity as a larger portion of lap time sensitivity will depend on how power delivery, grip conditions and car to car interactions are managed throughout the race. This paper presents a race-oriented Lap Time Simulation (LTS) framework developed to reproduce realistic race scenarios by integrating power unit constraints with on track effects such as slipstreaming and grip evolution, within a computationally efficient environment suitable for race strategy support. The framework is validated through representative simulations on the Monza and Monaco circuits, demonstrating its ability to reproduce both high-overtaking and low overtaking scenarios while maintaining computational efficiency suitable for race strategy applications. The proposed methodology provides a flexible platform for analyzing hybrid powertrain deployment strategies and can support the development of future race simulation tools under evolving regulations.