Pirelli say one-stop race the fastest for Singapore Grand Prix

Pirelli believes a one-stop strategy will be the order of the night around Singapore. The degradation levels of the hypersoft tyres will mean that the top ten will be forced into an early pit stop that could land them back out in traffic in what will be a very crucial pit window.

Going from the ultrasoft onto the soft is the fastest strategy according to Pirelli but it's one that the top ten will be unable to run due to starting on their tyres from Q2, the hypersoft tyre.

Pirelli chief Mario Isola outlined the strategy, reasserting that the one-stop strategy would be fastest of all, but for the top ten, a swap from the hypersoft to soft would be the next best option for them in the race.

“Qualifying has set up an intriguing mix of tactical possibilities, influenced by the decision to bring the Hypersoft to Singapore,” he said.

“Its unprecedented speed is clearly beyond question, but this has to be balanced against the degradation we have seen so far when it comes to formulating the strategy.

“For this reason, we have seen a few different ideas during qualifying, and it’s going to be fascinating to see which strategy turns out to be the best option.

“Adding another variable is the fact that the Singapore Grand Prix is a very long and eventful race that has historically always featured at least one Safety Car period.

“So the strategies will have to be flexible enough to rapidly capitalise on changing circumstances as they happen.

“All three compounds could definitely play a potential role in the strategy, with nearly zero degradation on the soft.”

Mercedes' gamble in Q1 to use the ultrasofts to get through and Ferrari's blunder in Q2 by trying to repeat that feat means that Red Bull are the only team with a fresh set of ultrasoft tyres which could be crucial if there is a late safety car in the race.