Scorching Italian Grand Prix: Track Temperature Rise to Alter Race Strategy
The Story of the Day
Andrea Kimi Antonelli had a promising start to FP1 before crashing out at the Parabolica. Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
FP2 Overall Times
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Gap |
| — | —— | —- | —- | — |
| 1. | Hamilton | Mercedes | 1m20.738s | – |
| 2. | Norris | McLaren | 1m20.741s | +0.003s |
| 3. | Sainz | Ferrari | 1m20.841s | +0.103s |
What the Data Tells Us
GPS traces revealed that Antonelli’s crash was caused by high speeds through Lesmo 2, which took a toll on the soft C5 tires on Russell’s W15. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s pace but acknowledged that a more experienced driver would have known to manage tyre temperatures.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen didn’t manage a performance run in FP2, but Helmut Marko reported that Verstappen was running in a conservative engine mode and has more potential to come over one-lap. Marko also stated that Red Bull has made significant improvements on balance issues compared to Zandvoort.
Medium Long-Run Averages (Top Four Constructors’ Teams Only)
| Pos | Team | Average | Stint Length |
| — | —- | ——- | ———— |
| 1. | Red Bull | 1m25.399s | 14 laps |
| 2. | McLaren | 1m25.507s | 11 laps |
| 3. | Mercedes | 1m25.529s | 13 laps |
| 4. | Ferrari | 1m25.612s | 13 laps |
The track changes have caused issues with the FP2 long-runs, making it difficult to rely on the times. However, Red Bull appears to be on the up in the long-run stakes. The tyre range remains the same as in 2023, but the new surface and hotter temperatures are causing severe surface graining on the softs and mediums.
As the teams strive to find the perfect balance, Sunday’s Italian GP is shaping up to be an unpredictable and thrilling race. Will Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton maintain his qualifying pace, or will Red Bull and McLaren spoil his efforts to impress the tifosi?
🔗 Source