F1 | Las Vegas GP preview: Pirelli tyre choices between graining risk and temperature management
Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, selecting the C3, C4 and C5 compounds, with tyre temperature management set to play a decisive role once again. Welcome to the traditional pre-weekend preview, where Pirelli outlines the tyres that will be available for the event. For the third year in a row, the Las Vegas GP will use the softest combination in the Pirelli range: C3, C4 and C5.
In this year’s edition, one of the key factors will once again be the management of tyre temperatures, particularly in qualifying. The earlier start times for the sessions are expected to help drivers bring the tyres up to temperature more quickly thanks to slightly less extreme cold conditions. Pirelli’s decision not to go even softer with the compound selection is heavily influenced by the risk of graining, a phenomenon already seen during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Las Vegas layout, made up of 17 corners, remains one of the most distinctive circuits on the calendar. It is the second-longest track of the season after Spa and also one of the fastest in terms of average speed.
Almost 80% of the lap is completed at full throttle. However, the circuit runs through city streets, where oily deposits left by road traffic reduce overall grip. This means track evolution will be very significant across the weekend, directly affecting strategy and tyre management. Last year’s Grand Prix was marked by graining, especially on the C4 tyres used during the opening stint of the race. Unlike graining, general degradation and wear remained very low.
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