Factors in the development of Pirelli's strategy

      For the third year in a row Pirelli brings C3, C4 and C5 compounds to the Las Vegas circuit. The key factor is warming up and maintaining tyre temperature on a low-temperature track surface.

      Pirelli does not yet know how many pit stops there will be during the race in Vegas, but they explained the factors on which they base their recommendations to the teams.

      "With a bit of luck you can win at the casino tables in Las Vegas, but in Formula 1 luck alone is not enough. The optimal strategy is based on computer modelling and data analysis.

      Before each Grand Prix Pirelli provides teams with strategy options that are the fastest given the choice of compounds for that particular weekend. They are determined based on specific calculations.

      This approach requires a different methodology than the one used by the teams, even if the goals are similar. All data are processed using unique software developed to determine the optimal strategy for a single car, allowing it to cover the race distance in the shortest possible time.

      The first factor is the difference in the compounds' characteristics, identified during preliminary analysis carried out by the modelling and simulation group. Added to this are data on tyre wear from previous years at the same circuit, as well as data on the same compounds that have already been used in earlier races of the current season.

      An important parameter is lifespan, that is, the maximum number of laps a tyre can complete before its performance drops to a level at which it is better to replace it.

      These elements, along with other factors, make it possible to estimate the lap time for each compound and, taking into account the reduction in fuel load, determine the ideal windows for tyre changes.

      When deciding whether to run a one- or two-stop strategy, teams take into account the time spent in the pit lane, the tyre change and rejoining the race, which varies from circuit to circuit. The data are updated throughout the race weekend.

      Teams that have more data on their cars often use the so-called Monte Carlo method. It also takes into account random factors such as traffic, the probability of a safety car deployment and the possibility of overtaking on a particular circuit, especially in DRS zones."