Why do teams hide their true pace in testing?

F1 teams often hide their true performance during testing to prevent rivals from gaining an advantage. This keeps their strategy and upcoming car upgrades secret.

During testing, teams focus on evaluating different setups, systems, and tire options. They deliberately keep their lap times and performance data ambiguous to avoid revealing their true pace.

• Teams use less aggressive fuel loads or different engine modes to mask true speed.
• They may run heavier cars or test parts that do not reflect their true performance capabilities.
• Communication and data are carefully managed to mislead competitors about actual pace.

This approach helps teams protect their competitive edge until the official races, when performance becomes more transparent.

References: FIA regulations; Formula 1 technical regulations; Motorsport.com