Verstappen and Piastri to eye aggressive tyre strategy ahead of race?

Pirelli has outlined five possible strategies for the Mexican Grand Prix — two starting on the medium tyres, and three opting for the softs to allow for a more aggressive launch and a chance to gain positions off the line.

The first recommended strategy is a one-stop race, starting on the mediums with a pit window between laps 42 and 48 to switch to softs for the final stint — running all the way to the chequered flag on lap 71.

Another suggested option also involves a one-stop plan, again starting on the mediums, but pitting earlier — between laps 26 and 32 — to fit the hards and go to the end from there.

The first of the soft-tyre strategies is a one-stop plan with a pit window between laps 23 and 29 to switch to mediums and run to the end. Another option also starts on softs but calls for an earlier stop — between laps 20 and 26 — to fit the hards and go all the way to the finish.

Finally, Pirelli also suggests a two-stop approach: start on softs, make the first stop between laps 16 and 22 for mediums, then pit again between laps 48 and 54 to finish the race on softs.

However, neither Piastri nor Verstappen will have any extra fresh tyres available at the start compared to those ahead of them — with the top four all left with just one new set each of mediums and hards for the race. Only Norris and Leclerc have a fresh set of soft tyres available.

The four-time world champion and the current championship leader will be ones to watch alongside pole-sitter Lando Norris at the start — with the title fight potentially taking a major turn depending on how the drivers get through Turn 1.

The Dutchman will start from fifth on the grid, right behind George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, while Piastri will need to be cautious off the line, avoiding any trouble as he lines up in the middle of the pack in eighth.

After qualifying, the top three — Norris and the two Ferrari drivers — were asked whether they expect Verstappen and Piastri to fight their way back through the field despite starting further down than usual. Here’s what they had to say.