F1 | Pirelli, two-stop strategy for the United States GP

After dominating all three free practice sessions and further lowering the track record, Lewis Hamilton took pole position today at the Austin circuit. Unlike yesterday, today's conditions remained hot and dry, with ambient temperatures reaching highs of 35 degrees Celsius. Mercedes and Ferrari were the only ones to pass Q1 using only the supersoft tyre.

Many drivers will have to serve sanctions tomorrow and this has influenced the strategies. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault, for example, qualified in the top 10 of Q1, but, already having a penalty to serve, he chose not to take to the track for the rest of qualifying and thus save tires for the race. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, will also have to serve a grid penalty and was the only driver to pass Q2 on the supersoft, the compound with which he will start the race tomorrow.

Here are the words of Mario Isola: “The tires performed in line with our expectations. Once again, the track record was broken, although the long runs showed how close the battle between the leading riders will be tomorrow. We expect a two-stop race, also based on temperatures and degradation. This circuit offers good overtaking opportunities, so there is room for teams for alternative strategies, also considering the fact that some drivers will have to serve penalties on the grid."

Roberto Valenti