The one-stop strategy emerges as the main option for the Belgian Grand Prix in Formula 1. The low degradation observed in practice sessions placed the combination of Medium and Hard tires as the fastest way for the 44 laps at Spa-Francorchamps.
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Simulations indicate that a two-stop strategy can cost about ten seconds compared to the more efficient alternative. For those starting on Mediums, the ideal window to switch to Hards is between laps 17 and 23, allowing for a longer first stint and greater flexibility in case of a safety car intervention.
Softs, however, also emerged as a competitive option. The compound showed an advantage of about half a second over the Mediums, but without the high degradation usually associated with this performance gain. In this scenario, the switch from Softs to Hards would be made between laps 14 and 20. “We expect a split on the grid, with the first stint on Mediums or Softs and then the change to Hards,” said Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli’s motorsport director.
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Drivers starting further back may adopt a reversed strategy, starting on Hards to stay on track while the midfield group pits. The switch to Mediums would have an ideal window between laps 24 and 30, while the option for Softs in the final stint would move the stop to between laps 27 and 33. Lando Norris, 13th, and Isack Hadjar, 21st, are among the names who may seek an alternative to gain positions.
The forecast indicates 19°C and no chance of rain, which reduces the influence of weather on decisions. A stop under green flag conditions represents a loss of approximately 18.5 seconds, compared to 11 seconds under safety car or virtual safety car, a factor that can completely change the timing of the stops. Friday’s data also placed Mercedes as the reference in race pace, with Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull separated by less than four tenths per lap.
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