Pirelli predicts: Bottas and Hamilton have a strategic advantage over Verstappen

F1 News

25 October 2020 at 10:15
Last update 25 October 2020 at 14:32
  • GPblog.com

This weekend, for the first time in the history of the sport, F1 will take place on the circuit at Portimao . Because it is a first for F1, there are many unknown factors that the teams have to take into account. For a long time it was unclear which tyre strategy would be the fastest in Portugal. After the free practice sessions and qualifying, Pirelli have been able to make an estimate. 

According to the Italian tire supplier, the fastest strategy is to start on the yellow medium, to go to the hardest tire halfway through the race to finish the race. This is to the advantage of Charles Leclerc and both Mercedes drivers, as they will start the Portuguese Grand Prix on the yellow tire.

Verstappen not on the fastest strategy?

The second strategy, according to Pirelli, is the one Max Verstappen will most likely go for. Starting on the softest tire, and then switching to a long stint on the hardest tire after a quarter of the Grand Prix. The third strategy, which according to Pirelli can be used at low temperatures, is a two-stropper. Starting on the softest tire and then two stints on the medium.