The Italian tire supplier has alerted teams about the potential impact of cold weather on tire pressure during the Nevada weekend. Here are the tires Pirelli has selected for the Las Vegas GP
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches, the stage is set for the third-to-last race of a thrilling 2024 season, with both championships still up for grabs. While Max Verstappen’s remarkable comeback victory over Lando Norris in Brazil might have given the impression of a settled Drivers’ Championship, the battle among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull remains fiercely contested. On paper, the Las Vegas circuit is considered highly favorable for Ferrari. However, the extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend in Nevada could disrupt the balance and produce unexpected challenges for teams.
An unseasonably intense cold snap has swept across Las Vegas, and it’s likely to linger throughout the Grand Prix weekend. Although daytime temperatures on Saturday are expected to reach a peak of 20°C (68°F), the nighttime conditions—when the sessions will take place—are predicted to drop below 10°C (50°F). These could be the coldest conditions of the entire 2024 season, posing significant challenges for warming up tires, preventing excessive graining, and maintaining grip.
Fully aware of the icy conditions ahead, Pirelli has issued precautions and advice to drivers and teams: “The main challenge of the weekend will be tire warm-up, particularly during qualifying sessions and especially for the front tires. Drivers will need to focus on gradually bringing their tires up to the right temperature without overstressing them and avoiding lock-ups at critical braking zones, particularly at the end of the long straights, where surface tire temperatures will drop further”. “
Teams should also prepare for the complexities of single-stop strategies and potential undercut risks. Pirelli added: “Cold temperatures reduce grip and increase the likelihood of higher graining, which can accelerate wear and push teams toward a two-stop strategy, as seen last year. A single pit stop remains a viable option, especially if the tires can be warmed up smoothly, extending their performance over a longer stint. However, due to the challenges of tire warm-up, an early pit stop to gain track position is unlikely to be effective. Extending a stint could prove more beneficial.” “.
Challenges for Pirelli in 2024: Tire Performance Criticism
This season has been a challenging one for Pirelli, as tire performance has often been a polarizing topic among teams and drivers. Notably, Mercedes has been vocal about issues, with figures like Toto Wolff and George Russell frequently criticizing the unpredictability of the tires.
After the Azerbaijan GP, Russell expressed frustration: ” “I don’t know how, but it’s the same track, the same driver, the same car—we just went from the medium tire to the hard one. Honestly, it’s frustrating how much it changes. It’s not just Mercedes, it’s every team and every driver. One session you’re quick, the next you’re not, and the only variable is the tire.” Such remarks have been staunchly defended by Wolff, amplifying scrutiny on Pirelli.
To tackle the unique challenges of Las Vegas, Pirelli has chosen to use the same tire compounds as in 2023, a decision they explained in a recent statement:
“As is traditional for a street circuit, Pirelli has selected the softest compounds in the range: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium, and C5 as Soft, the same choices as last year.”
In this case, it seems Pirelli is following the adage: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
Photo: F1, Pirelli Motorsport, Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1