One-stop strategy for Monaco Grand Prix with chance of rain
The Monaco Grand Prix has potentially the most straightforward strategy of the Formula One season, but that may be complicated by the chance of rain late on Sunday.
Pirelli predicts a simple strategy for the Monaco Grand Prix. (Pirelli)
Pirelli strategy analysis has confirmed the conventional wisdom that the fastest strategy for the famous grand prix involves a single pit stop, made as soon as possible.
The ideal strategy would be starting on the yellow medium compound with a pit stop between laps 20 and 25 for the white hard tyre, although Pirelli says drivers may also choose to reverse the strategy, or start on the soft and move to the hard.
“We don’t expect many strategic surprises: a single stop is the way to go, with the hard tyre as the main choice,” said Pirelli director of motorsport Mario Isola.
“However, which tyre to start the race on is more uncertain: the soft tyre certainly offers more grip at the start, but the medium has a wider window of use, with a better chance to make the most of any safety cars.”
Pirelli tyre strategies for the Monaco Grand Prix - click to expand. (Pirelli)
There is also the chance of rain, with a slight chance of storms from 4pm onwards, around halfway through the grand prix.
Pirelli has brought the new wet tyre compound to the circuit, which does not require tyre warmers.
It will be the first time any team has raced with the new compound, adding just a slight element of uncertainty should the rain eventuate.
Max Verstappen will lead the field away from pole position at 3pm on Sunday (11pm AEST).
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