Verstappen and Mercedes most likely to follow this strategy at Zandvoort

This season is the first time that Formula 1 uses Pirelli tyres at Zandvoort and so there is still a lot of uncertainty for the Italian tyre supplier as to how the tyres will behave over the 72 laps that are scheduled. Pirelli has been able to make a prediction though, what the fastest strategy will be in the Dutch dunes.

They expect that the fastest strategy will be to start on the softest tyre, stop halfway through the race and finish on the hardest tyre. Everyone in the top ten will already start on the red tyre and outside the top ten many drivers will also start on that tyre. Starting on medium tyres to finish the race on the white tyre is the fastest strategy according to Pirelli.

What’s the quickest way to the podium? #Fit4F1 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/1Ewe1I3tcs

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 5, 2021

Similar choice of tyres for Mercedes and Verstappen

Looking at the choice of tyres, the top teams still have all options open. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas all have a new set of the white and yellow tyre left. Verstappen is the only one who has an extra set of used tyres left, namely the softest. In return, the new yellow C2 is the only yellow tyre he has left.

Drivers and teams will need to consider any used sets in their tyre strategy #Fit4F1 #DutchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/GAQP8oGQGU

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 5, 2021