The softest compounds in the Pirelli range will be used over the next two race weekends, featuring the Sprint in Miami and Montreal. At both circuits C3, C4 and C5 will be nominated as hard, medium and soft respectively.
The first American race of the season (1-3 May) comes after a one-month break, following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The characteristics of the circuit, built around the Dolphins’ stadium, features very smooth asphalt, and allows the use of the softest end of the range.
Degradation is predominantly thermal, due to the high temperatures in Florida, but last year, when the compounds were nominally the same, it proved to be limited. This created the conditions for numerous on-track battles in the opening phase of the race, when drivers were able to push without particular limitations.
In Canada (22-24 May) the softest selection will also be used, thanks to a track surface that is not very abrasive and to provide adequate grip in areas where the cars are subjected to heavy deceleration.
Last year, when the range extended up to C6, the trio including that option was used, although what was then the soft compound remained on the fringes of race strategies, which were already geared towards two stops using only hard and medium.
Compared to Miami, Montreal also brings the weather variable into play, particularly given the earlier slot in the calendar.