Minimal Tyre Degradation Lets Drivers Attack in Mexican GP

Pirelli commends tyre performance in Mexico, allowing drivers to push aggressively with minimal degradation throughout the Grand Prix.

Pirelli praised the performance of its tyres in Mexico. Mario Isola, the head of Pirelli’s F1 programme, outlined the key factors influencing the Grand Prix held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

The tyre manufacturer noted that 14 drivers started on medium compounds, while six opted for hard tyres, hoping a safety car intervention might grant them a favourable pit stop.

Pirelli highlighted that Oscar Piastri managed the longest stint on mediums, completing 39 laps at the beginning of the race. Meanwhile, the longest stint overall was achieved on hard tyres by Valtteri Bottas, who completed 49 laps.

“A race that offered suspense from the outset, gradually calming—at least among the leaders—before reigniting towards the end with duels between Leclerc and Norris, and an even longer one between Hamilton and Russell,” noted Isola.

“There was a great deal of action behind the top five, and near the end, several drivers pitted for fresh tyres to chase the fastest lap.”

“In terms of strategy, predictions before the event proved accurate, with a single-stop strategy emerging as the favourite. Starting on mediums and switching to hards was the fastest of all possible combinations. Piastri demonstrated this well, as he started further back on the grid, adopted the same strategy as the front-runners, and managed to finish in the points.”

“Typically, single-stop races require careful tyre management, but in Mexico, we saw drivers able to push without excessive concerns over degradation, which was minimal on both compounds.”

“The medium tyres showed some signs of graining, though it didn’t significantly affect performance, while the hard tyres consistently performed well, even in the longest stints, nearing the 50-lap mark.”