One-stop strategy 'almost obligatory' in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Teams are expected to run a one-stop race in the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the emergence of the safety car as the main strategy concern.
Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri on track during Free Practice 2 in Jeddah. (Pirelli)
Analysis from tyre manufacturer Pirelli says that the fastest strategy will be a start on the medium tyre before a mid-race change to the hard compound, but long runs on the soft tyre in free practice on Thursday has thrown that into doubt.
“It’s difficult to see any surprises in terms of strategy.,” said Mario Isola, director of motorsport at the Italian tyre company.
“Here, the one-stop is almost obligatory. “
“The only unknown might be what compound to run alongside the C2 [hard compound], which contrary to what we saw in Sakhir last week, is working very well both in terms of performance and degradation.”
“On paper, the quickest strategy is to use the C3 [medium] at the start before switching to the C2 between lap 18 and 25.”
Despite this information being supplied to teams, there has been limited running in race conditions with only the one free practice session run in comparable conditions.
Isola says that this may open up options for how each team considers their strategy in the grand prix.
“Starting on the Hard before pitting between laps 25 and 32 to take on softs could also be a competitive strategy, possibly in the hope of a safety car, which is highly likely on a track like this, or maybe do the opposite and use the extra grip from the C4 [soft compound] for the start and the first few laps before switching to the C2.”
Pirelli tyre predictions for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - click to expand. (Pirelli)
There has been a safety car intervention in each of the races held in Jeddah since the inaugural race in 2021, with the high speeds and close walls proving a challenge for drivers.
Max Verstappen will start ahead of Charles Leclerc with the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix underway at 4am Sunday (AEDT).
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