Pirelli Predicts Tyre Strategy Challenge for Lewis Hamilton at Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton faces a strategic challenge in the Spanish Grand Prix according to Pirelli’s forecast. Starting third on the grid behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, Hamilton is at a potential disadvantage when it comes to tyre strategy. His Mercedes teammate George Russell also finds himself in a similar position, starting fourth on the grid.

The tire strategy report suggests that a two-stop strategy is the optimal approach for the 66-lap race at the 2.894-mile Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The forecast includes stints on the soft tyres sandwiching a run on the medium or hard rubber.

All drivers have access to a brand-new set of the medium and hard tyres, except for the Aston Martin pair of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Aston Martin typically utilizes a single out-lap on their hard tyres for a heat cycle without significant running, making their supposedly used tyres relatively fresh.

Pirelli’s recommended strategy advises starting on the soft C3 tyres, running until around Laps 15-21 before switching to the medium C2 tyre until Laps 41-47, and then returning to the softs for the final stint. An alternative plan includes starting on the softs, switching to hard tyres around Laps 13-19, and then concluding the race with another soft tyre stint.

For Hamilton and Russell, not having a fresh set of soft tyres could pose a challenge in adhering to Pirelli’s strategy. Nonetheless, with Mercedes potentially playing strategy games against leading rivals Norris and Verstappen, the race promises an intriguing battle for the drivers and teams involved.