- C5 tyre unexpectedly outperformed new C6 in qualifying, forcing teams like Aston Martin to adapt their strategy early and gain a competitive edge.
- Many drivers completed successful one-stop strategies, defying Pirelli’s aim to encourage two-stoppers with the soft compound lineup.
- Virtual Safety Car and late Safety Car reshuffled race order, creating dramatic battles due to varying tyre ages and grip levels.
Pirelli’s decision to introduce its softest C6 compound for the Imola Grand Prix, alongside the C5 and C4, was intended to spice up race strategy. The goal was clear: encourage two-stop strategies by making the one-stop less viable. However, the results defied expectations. Instead of prompting multiple stops, the C5 – presumed too soft for the race – proved durable enough to sustain long stints, reshaping the race dynamics entirely.
During practice, it became apparent the C6 struggled in qualifying conditions. Most drivers found the C5 faster over a single lap, creating an unusual strategic dilemma due to limited tyre allocations. Aston Martin adapted quickest, identifying early in FP3 that the C6 overheated easily and delivered sub-par lap times. Unlike others, Aston preserved their C5s for key moments, a decision that paid off in qualifying. Stroll posted a strong early time on C5s in Q1, while Alonso showed pace on both compounds but was ultimately hindered by a red flag.
In Q2 and Q3, Aston Martin’s tyre tactics continued to stand out. Switching from softs to mediums mid-session, both drivers improved their times, bucking the trend as track conditions improved for all. Stroll and Alonso advanced confidently to Q3 and finished sixth and fifth, respectively. Mercedes’ George Russell also opted for C5s in Q3 and nearly clinched pole position, underlining the compound’s unexpected superiority in qualifying trim.
The race unfolded with mixed strategies. Most of the grid started on the C5s, including race leader Verstappen. While drivers like Piastri, Leclerc, and Russell struggled with early tyre degradation and committed to two-stops, Verstappen and Norris extended their first stints without issue. A Virtual Safety Car (VSC) for Ocon’s retirement triggered opportunistic pit stops for many, giving those who hadn’t stopped yet a significant time advantage. Hamilton, one of the few on C4s at the start, switched to C5s and benefited as well.
A late Safety Car added more drama, reshuffling the pack once more. It hurt the early stoppers like Piastri, Leclerc, and Sainz but boosted the races of Verstappen, Norris, Albon, and Hamilton. The result was an entertaining closing phase filled with tight battles, enabled by tyre age disparities. Though not in the originally intended fashion, Pirelli’s compound choices ultimately achieved their goal: a race rich in strategic variety and on-track action.
