Mercedes F1 Wary of New Monza Circuit Risks

Mercedes F1 faces potential setbacks with Monza’s revamped circuit, where tire graining could impact the race outcome.

Mercedes F1 Technical Director James Allison highlighted a risk that could emerge at the Monza circuit this weekend.

The high-speed track once again hosts the Italian Grand Prix and has been an integral part of the F1 calendar since the world championship began, except for a gap in 1980.

For the upcoming weekend, the Monza track has been resurfaced, a common renovation that all tracks undergo at different stages.

Allison said that the new surface, combined with the softest range of Pirelli compounds, could mean that tire graining occurs throughout the weekend.

“It’s going to be an interesting weekend. The Monza track has just been resurfaced, so new tarmac everywhere and with Pirelli choosing to bring the softest of the rubbers on this track.”

“The new tarmac is very grippy, but it also carries the risk of graining. That’s when the tire sticks to the road and physically tears, tears apart into pieces if it turns out that the stress is too high in the tire. So that’s a point to watch.”

Mercedes heads into the Monza round after a challenging Dutch Grand Prix that saw it finish seventh and eighth. Before the Dutch race, Mercedes was consistently at the front of the grid, winning three of the four races held before the summer break.

As it seeks to regain form, Allison believes the Silver Arrows have what it takes to have a competitive weekend in Monza.

“I think we should be able to set the car up correctly. We’re going to go there and see for sure if the aerodynamic upgrade we had at Zandvoort hindered us or helped us.”

“And hopefully, a quiet weekend in competition, I hope, for a podium or better. But we’ll see what happens.”