Formula 1 arrives at the Monaco GP with a seemingly defined strategy for this Sunday’s race. According to Pirelli, the official tire supplier for the category, the combination of Soft and Medium tires is the fastest option to complete the race on the streets of Monte Carlo.
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Track position is usually decisive in the Principality, which is why the start gains even greater importance. With low compound degradation and historical difficulties in overtaking, the trend is for a one-stop race, making tire choice fundamental to the final result.
According to the Italian manufacturer’s simulations, the most efficient strategy is to start with Soft tires and switch to Mediums between laps 31 and 37. However, the window can be extended depending on race circumstances, especially in the event of a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car. Another relevant factor will be traffic, as leaders should avoid rejoining the track behind slower cars.
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Pirelli also considers alternatives. The Soft to Hard strategy appears as the second best option, with an ideal stop between laps 29 and 35. The plan using Mediums and Hards is considered less competitive, despite having been a winning combination in some stages of the season. According to Dario Marrafuschi, the manufacturer’s head of motorsport, the expectation for an uninterrupted race is clear. “In a clean race, we clearly expect a single stop using Softs and Mediums. The second option would be Softs and Hards, while Mediums and Hards does not seem to be the best choice in a normal scenario,” he stated.
Another element that can influence strategic decisions is the possibility of red flags. The Monaco weekend has already seen interruptions in all Formula 1 sessions, as well as incidents in support categories. In the event of a stoppage immediately after the start, Medium tires emerge as the preferred option for a restart, while Pirelli considers it risky to try to complete almost the entire race distance using only one set of Soft tires.
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