Overcut

The overcut is the opposite of the undercut — a driver stays out on track longer than a rival, uses the clear air (no traffic) to set fast lap times, and hopes to emerge ahead when they eventually pit. The overcut works when the driver staying out can maintain competitive lap times on worn tyres, and when the rival who pitted first is held up by traffic or slower cars. The overcut is less common than the undercut because worn tyres are generally slower than fresh tyres, but it can be effective in specific circumstances — particularly when there is significant traffic on track or when the Safety Car is deployed.

The overcut became more relevant with the introduction of DRS in 2011, which made it easier for drivers on fresh tyres to overtake backmarkers. The overcut is often used as a defensive strategy — a driver who cannot be undercut may choose to stay out and attempt an overcut.