Different tyres left for Verstappen and Mercedes

The top teams start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on different compounds. Mercedes has other tyres left than Red Bull. This can result in different strategies.

Throughout the weekend, Mercedes and Red Bull have already used different tyres during the sessions. Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton all start on the medium tyre, while Alexander Albon starts on the soft tyre. According to Pirelli, tyre suppliers to the sport, Mercedes still has a new set of mediums left.

In the case of a safety car, this could be an advantage for the team, which is already a world champion, as they can change to the new yellow tyres. Max Verstappen does not have that luxury. What he does have is a new set of soft tyres, which Mercedes doesn't have.

Don't want to miss out on the action at the Abu Dhabi circuit? Then follow our live blog!