Pirelli is predicting a one-stop strategy at Monza, with Medium and Hard tyres expected to be the main choices, just as Charles Leclerc managed last year. However, there could be an interesting twist: the Soft compound might play a decisive role in the closing stages of the Italian Grand Prix.
Simone Berra, Chief Engineer at Pirelli, analysed the first day of free practice at Monza and confirmed that the most likely strategy will be a single stop. The key compounds should be Medium and Hard, exactly like the approach that worked for Charles Leclerc in 2024. Still, the possibility of the Soft tyre coming into play later in the race cannot be ruled out.
Friday sessions offer useful data at Monza
The two practice sessions on Friday delivered plenty of valuable information. Despite a couple of interruptions during FP1, the second session went ahead smoothly, with every team running long simulations on all three compounds available for the weekend.
“Compared to last year, graining does not seem to be a factor,” explained Berra. “What we saw today was much more localized and limited to the tyre’s surface, and it only affected a few cars. With track evolution, we believe it will disappear completely by Sunday.”
Pirelli’s strategies inspired by Charles Leclerc’s race last year
The limited tyre degradation suggests a one-stop race is the most realistic outcome. The Medium-Hard combination looks to be the preferred choice, but the option of switching to the Soft in the final laps remains on the table.
“If a driver manages to extend the opening stint,” Berra added, “then using the Soft for 15 to 20 laps could maximise performance. In the case of a safety car, having reliable data on the Soft could also prove very useful.”
Track conditions and performance differences
Lap times today were around nine tenths quicker than in 2024, helped by track temperatures being about 10°C cooler. The circuit evolution had a major impact in FP1, while in FP2 the lap times became more stable and representative.
According to simulations, the performance gap is estimated at 4 to 5 tenths between Medium and Soft, and around 2 tenths between Hard and Medium. The Soft compound even showed the ability to improve after two cooldown laps, but in qualifying tomorrow the first flying lap will be crucial. “We expect a very classic qualifying session,” Berra explained. “The Soft will deliver peak performance on the very first timed lap.”
Tyre management once again key at Monza
With almost all drivers expected to have only one set of Medium and one set of Hard for the race, tyre management and the right strategic choices will once again be decisive factors in determining the final result of the Italian Grand Prix.
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