Pirelli before the race: Two-stop strategy "about ten seconds faster"

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Pirelli expects a clear favorite for the Canadian Grand Prix: "On paper, two stops are about ten seconds faster than one stop," explains Pirelli's sporting director Mario Isola. This is due to the comparatively short pit stop window in Montreal – only around 18 seconds are lost for an additional service.

Nevertheless, a one-stop variant, such as using medium and hard tires, is also possible. Wear is less than expected. Those who avoid risks could make it through. George Russell will start the race on pole position, ending a five-year drought with his qualifying lap.

The Mercedes driver took pole on medium tires – for the first time since Portimão 2020. A first, also made possible by the special tire type. While the new C6 soft is theoretically faster, it loses grip as temperatures drop. Lando Norris complained of a noticeable drop in performance as soon as the clouds closed in.

"Not a big difference from yesterday," says Isola. "The medium and soft tires are close together, but many drivers have more confidence in the medium. It provides more consistency, perhaps even more confidence—and that was evident today. As the temperature drops, the C6 soft tire loses power. The operating window is probably a bit narrower than with the C5."

Different sets of tires provide flexibility

In any case, the teams are entering the race with very different tire packages. While Mercedes, Red Bull, and Aston Martin each have two sets of medium and two sets of hard tires, McLaren, Ferrari, and Haas have only one medium and two sets of hard tires available. One notable feature: Sauber is the only team with two sets of medium and only one set of hard tires.

According to Isola, this results in tactical flexibility – even during the race. Those using used medium tires, for example, could benefit from more consistent grip. The initial performance peak has already subsided, which, according to Pirelli, can actually be advantageous for long runs.

According to Pirelli, the softest compound—the C6—isn't an option for regular race strategies. "The soft compound isn't really an option for a regular strategy," says Isola. "But with a safety car or as a very short first stint, you might be able to use it."