Why Verstappen didn't choose an alternative strategy this time

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing chose to qualify using hard tyres in Silverstone last week. It was a brilliant strategy that gave him a lot of advantage during the race because he didn't have to use the soft tyre or medium for long. This week, despite the warm weather, he didn't opt for this.

Verstappen, like Mercedes, will just start on the soft tyre. This means that theoretically he won't benefit from an early pit stop of both Mercedes drivers. However, according to Verstappen he and the team had no choice this time.

All drivers will start on the soft tyre

"I think the soft tire is good enough to start the race. Normally the softest tyre is a bit more risky, because it wears quickly. But I don't think this is a problem here on this track", the Dutchman is quoted by Motorsport-Total.com.

So starting on the hard tire wouldn't give enough advantage. In fact, because all other drivers also start on the soft tyre, you could lose a lot of places on harder rubber during the first lap due to a lack of grip.