Expected wear and tire management: unknown factor at Monza is new asphalt | 2024 F1 Italian GP. A new surface has been laid at Monza for the Italian GP.

As has become tradition, the last weekend of August sees a return of the Italian Grand Prix at the historic Monza circuit. The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is the track that has hosted the most F1 Grand Prix events: this year marks the 74th.

The Monza track, the fastest in the entire championship and therefore known as the “Temple of Speed,” is characterized by long straights and few chicanes. It requires extremely low aerodynamic drag, pushing teams to bring specific aerodynamic solutions for this track. The design of the Prima Variante has been revised, but the corners that define the soul of the circuit are the two Lesmo corners (turns 6-7), the Ascari chicane (turns 8-9-10), and the Alboreto, also known as the Parabolica (turn 11).

The most stressed tire is the front left. In particular, the highest temperatures are reached in the Parabolica, turn 11, the only long-duration corner on the track. High temperatures are also seen near the chicanes, where braking on entry and traction on exit are crucial. However, the average temperature remains contained during the lap due to the long straights, which allow the tread to cool significantly thanks to convection with the outside air.

For this weekend, Pirelli has chosen the softest set available: C3-C4-C5, despite the high longitudinal stress caused by the heavy braking and acceleration required in the chicanes and the significant use of curbs.

The expected grip this year is uncertain due to the new track surface laid across the entire circuit. This will be a variable not to be underestimated in terms of tire wear and, therefore, in defining race strategies.

Expected wear for the race at the Monza circuit is medium to low, slightly higher on the left side due to the greater number of right-hand corners. Due to the new track surface, tire wear will be an important factor throughout the weekend.

The possibility of rain during the Italian Grand Prix weekend should also not be underestimated, as it is not uncommon to have unstable weather at this time of year. Pit stop strategies will have less impact since overtaking is relatively easy on the circuit’s long straights.