Wolff: 'Verstappen now has a different strategy option compared to us'

The Portimao circuit has been given a brand new layer of asphalt. Since then it hasn't been driven on much, so Formula 1 drivers have the honour to drive on the track. However, this is causing a number of problems, including the behaviour of the tyres. During qualifying, it became clear that there are different rules in Portugal.

For example, Lewis Hamilton finally managed to get pole position on the medium tyre after the second flying lap. "We gave both drivers the choice of tires and how long they wanted to be on them in Q3. They both chose the medium and Valtteri opted for one timed lap and Lewis for three. In the end, it came down to one-tenth of a second between the two," explained Toto Wolff in the Mercedes team review. 

A different strategy for Verstappen

So the two Mercedes drivers are close together in Portugal. "In any case, it looks like it will be an interesting battle tomorrow. We don't have much information about how the tyres will behave and both our cars will start on the mediums," continues the team boss.

What's more, another driver could play a big role. "On the other hand, Verstappen will start on soft tyres and he'll have a new set of medium tyres left. That will give him a number of other strategic options for the race. It can be an exciting race, especially with predictions for rain," concluded the Austrian.