Verstappen and Piastri to Eye Aggressive Tyre Strategy in Mexican GP

Pirelli has outlined five potential race strategies for the Mexican Grand Prix, with a particular focus on how teams might leverage aggressive tire choices. Both one-stop and two-stop scenarios are on the table, offering teams flexibility depending on their starting positions and track conditions.

Why it matters:

In a race where starting positions can be tricky due to Mexico City's high altitude and unique track characteristics, an optimal tire strategy is paramount. For drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, who are starting further down the grid than usual, an aggressive yet well-executed strategy could be key to making up positions and securing vital championship points. The interplay between tire degradation, pit stop timing, and on-track overtakes will define success.

The Details:

Pirelli's recommendations provide a spectrum of choices, balancing speed with durability:

• Medium-Soft One-Stop: Starting on medium tires with a pit window between laps 42 and 48 to switch to softs for the final 23-29 laps.
• Medium-Hard One-Stop: An alternative one-stop plan also starting on mediums, but pitting earlier (laps 26-32) for hard tires to run to the end of the 71-lap race.
• Soft-Medium One-Stop: An aggressive start on softs, with a pit window between laps 23 and 29 to switch to mediums for the remainder of the race.
• Soft-Hard One-Stop: Similar to the above, starting on softs but pitting earlier (laps 20-26) for hards to go all the way to the finish.
• Soft-Medium-Soft Two-Stop: A more aggressive two-stop approach, starting on softs, then switching to mediums (laps 16-22), and finally back to softs (laps 48-54) for the sprint to the finish.

Between the lines:

Neither Piastri nor Verstappen will have an abundance of fresh tires. The top four drivers (including Verstappen) each have only one new set of mediums and hards available. This limitation could influence their strategic choices, potentially pushing them towards earlier stops or longer stints on certain compounds. Only Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have a fresh set of soft tires available, which could give them an edge if a soft-tire heavy strategy proves beneficial.

What's next:

Max Verstappen, starting from fifth, and Oscar Piastri, from eighth, will be closely watched. Their ability to navigate the opening laps and execute their chosen tire strategy will be crucial for their respective races. The front-runners, Lando Norris, and the two Ferrari drivers, have expressed their expectations for strong comeback drives from Verstappen and Piastri, highlighting the potential for significant grid shake-ups as the race unfolds. The championship battle could see a critical turn depending on how these drivers manage their tires and track position in the demanding Mexican Grand Prix.