Soft Compounds
At the Temple of Speed, the three softest compounds in the range will be used: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium, and C5 as Soft. On paper, all three options can be considered to define Sunday’s race strategies, provided that temperatures are not excessively high.
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The track, 5.793 km long and featuring 11 corners, is one of the fastest in the Formula 1 World Championship thanks also to the long straights which, this year, will represent an additional challenge for energy management with the new power units. Team simulations actually predict lap times about two seconds faster than last year.
From a tire perspective, the front axle should be subject to less stress under braking, as braking will likely be done at lower speeds. The rear axle, on the other hand, will be subjected to greater loads during traction phases, when the full power of the power unit is unleashed.
Single Stop Favored
Braking stability and traction out of corners, particularly at the First Chicane and Ascari, will be the two key factors to gain ground on rivals on a track where generally a low downforce aerodynamic setup is used, favoring top speed.
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The track usually offers a good level of grip from the first sessions. No significant changes have been made to the circuit after the complete resurfacing in 2024, carried out with a surface characterized by low roughness. This year, curbs at corners 1, 4, and 8 have been redone, while at corner 5 a gravel area has been replaced by an asphalted zone.
Drivers will likely have to manage rear axle overheating during the race, but degradation should not be such as to compromise tire performance. The single stop strategy therefore appears the most likely for Sunday, despite the fact that overtaking opportunities at Monza are not lacking.
