In the disclosed method, a current temperature (T) is ascertained for sections (6) of a strip (1) ahead of a first mill stand (2). The temperatures (T') of the strip sections (6) for the time when each strip section (6) is milled in the first mill stand (2) is predicted, whereupon at least one specific control parameter (P) for milling a specific strip section (6) in the first mill stand (2) is ascertained. When the specific strip section (6) is milled, a control device (10) acting on the first mill stand (2) is controlled taking into account the specific ascertained control parameter (P). The temperatures (T') are predicted with a prediction horizon (PH1) corresponding to multiple strip sections (6). A manipulated variable curve (S (t)) for the control device (10) is set for the prediction horizon (PH1), said curve (S (t)) influencing a profile of a nip formed by working rolls (9) of the first mill stand (2). A specific nip profile (W) formed by the working rolls (9) of the first mill stand (2) at the time the specific strip section (6) will be milled is predicted. The set manipulated variable curve (S (t)) is optimized on the basis of the predicted nip profile (W) and a specific desired profile (W* (t)). The current value of the optimized manipulated variable curve (S (t)) corresponds to the control parameter (P) which is fed to the control device (10) as the manipulated variable (S).