Strategic options for Canadian Grand Prix are close

Due to the rained out qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix, the Formula One teams have a lot of tires left over for the race. This gives the strategists many options during the GP.

Prior to a race weekend Pirelli decides how many tires to take of each compound, but during the weekend the teams can decide which tires to use and when. This requires careful thought during practice to ensure that the right sets of tires are left for the race.

In Canada, the teams have an easier time of it because the wet third free practice and qualifying sessions saved on tires. Thus Max Verstappen still has two new hard tires, one new set of mediums and three new red tires left. Carlos Sainz has the same selection, Fernando Alonso has one less hard set of tires at his disposal. Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez have one more medium and one more soft tire left, respectively.

Due to the dry conditions, Pirelli expects a race with one pit stop to be the fastest option. Starting from the medium tire is preferred, but the difference with starting from the soft tire is minimal according to the Italian tire supplier. A change to the hard tire is required anyway. A strategy with two pit stops is also a possibility, but is slower according to Pirelli.