F1 Las Vegas GP: Teams Eye 'Gamble' Start Before 'Favorite' Hard Tire
Formula 1 teams are considering a strategic "gamble" for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially starting on soft tires for an early advantage despite the hard tire being the favored compound due to its lack of graining. With a dry race expected after a wet qualifying, Pirelli's compounds present a complex strategy, with one-stop options like soft-hard or medium-hard emerging as key considerations. The decision could significantly impact track position and overall race outcome.
Formula 1 teams and drivers are eyeing a strategic "gamble" for the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially beginning on soft tires to gain an early advantage before switching to the favored hard compound. With qualifying run in wet conditions but the 50-lap race almost certainly to be dry, Pirelli's dry-tire compounds are front and center for strategy planning.
Why it matters:
The Las Vegas Grand Prix presents a unique strategic puzzle, as teams aim to maximize performance on a new circuit where tire behavior, particularly graining, has been a key observation. A bold early move could define the race, especially with the hard tire proving to be highly durable.
The details:
- Dry Race Expected: Despite a wet qualifying session that saw Lando Norris on pole, the race is predicted to be entirely dry.
- Tire Compounds in Play: Pirelli's three dry compounds (soft, medium, hard) are available, with the hard tire emerging as a critical choice.
- Lack of Graining: Pirelli has observed a notable lack of graining, especially on the hard compound, making it the preferred tire for a one-stop strategy.
- Strategic "Gamble": Pirelli motorsport director Mario Isola suggests teams might start on soft tires to push hard early and gain track position, accepting early graining before an anticipated pit stop.
- Delta Times: Isola noted the delta between medium and hard tires is small (0.2-0.3 seconds per lap), while the soft-medium gap is larger (0.6-0.7 seconds per lap). This makes the hard tire highly attractive due to its durability.
- One-Stop Preferred: Both one-stop and two-stop strategies are very close in overall time, but the hard tire's resistance to graining makes a one-stop, likely medium-hard or soft-hard, the more appealing option.
- Two-Stop Scenarios: Possible two-stop strategies include medium-hard-hard, medium-hard-medium, or soft-medium-soft, though these are less favored given the hard tire's performance.
What's next:
Teams will finalize their strategies based on grid position and track conditions as they weigh the benefits of an aggressive start against the proven durability of the hard compound. The choice between an early push on softs and a more conservative medium start will be crucial for success under the Las Vegas lights.