Pirelli has revealed their expected strategies for the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and with the likes of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc set to start the race out of position, there are some strategic options that could bring both drivers back into contention.
Pirelli expects one-stop from the medium C3 to the hard C2 to be the optimal strategy. For this strategy, the optimal pit window is between laps 18 and 25.
Degradation has proven to be low at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit meaning other variations of a one-stop strategy could prove to be quick. Those considering a soft-hard strategy will box between laps 13 and 20, while medium-soft runners would come into the pits between laps 27 and 34.
Charles Leclerc, who qualified second yesterday, will start the race from 12th after taking a 10-place grid penalty. Max Verstappen will start the race 15th after suffering an engine failure in Q2.
Leclerc has already outlined his concerns about a DRS train stunting his progress towards the front of the field. A potential two-stop could be an option to make places through strategy.
Pirelli has outlined a soft-medium-soft strategy as the only possible option for a two-stop race. Drivers going for the two-stop strategy will first pit between laps 10 and 15, and make their final stop between laps 32 and 38.
The chances of a safety car, or red flag, must also be considered. After two races in Saudi Arabia, there is a 100% chance of a safety car, while the red flag flew twice in the inaugural 2021 Grand Prix. The timing of any neutralisations could shake up strategies drastically.
Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport, Mario Isola discussed the tyre situation following qualifying.
“We saw an interesting qualifying with plenty of memorable moments. The C4 also showed itself to be a very versatile tyre in the final session that determined the grid, both on a flying lap as well as over longer runs,” he said.
“Q1 demonstrated how it was possible to have a good level of grip also on the second and third attempts with the same set of tyres, using cool-down laps in between.
“The opportunity to have a tyre with these characteristics already presented itself on certain circuits last year, and we’ve seen that once more here today.”
On the strategy ahead of today’s race, Isola confirmed that the one-stop is the way forward for those at the front of the pack, although which combination of tyres could vary.
“From a strategy point of view, all the data collected so far this weekend confirms a one-stopper as being the quickest option, with only small differences between the three possible combinations.
“This is also bearing in mind the high likelihood of neutralisations and possible stoppages, from what we have seen at the two previous grands prix held here to date.”
