The extended FP2 session transformed into a comprehensive tyre test for the eagerly anticipated ’25-spec Pirelli Formula 1 tyres. All teams were mandated to adhere to a specific run plan meticulously outlined by Pirelli, necessitating back-to-back push laps utilizing both a control tyre and a ’25-equivalent tyre (with an added weight of 20kg of fuel), succeeded by extensive back-to-back long-runs comprising ten laps, this time enriched with 100kg of fuel for testing, again comparing the control and the ’25-spec tyres.
Only drivers whose cars had been utilized during FP1 by third drivers were granted the opportunity to execute part of their regular allocation for the race – but this privilege was only permissible once these third drivers completed their respective Pirelli tasks.
However, by the time the five drivers – Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, and Zhou Guanyu – navigated through their Pirelli programme, the clock was ticking down with barely any time remaining, largely due to a significant red flag delay caused by George Russell’s hefty crash into the Turn 9 barriers.
During this period, no set-up work could be accomplished as strict adherence to the Pirelli programme governing the session was enforced. As a result, the conditions we witnessed on these tyres are highly likely to evolve when full practice sessions commence in FP3.
Interestingly, teams could not align their compound choices uniformly – both Red Bull and Aston Martin ventured out on the experimental soft C6 compound, softer than the existing C5 tyre. The impressive positioning of Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull in P3 in the fastest times chart is almost certainly linked to this strategic tyre selection.
Ferrari and Mercedes opted for the experimental version of the C4 tyre, while McLaren settled for the C5. Consequently, Carlos Sainz’s top time, surpassing the softer-tyred McLaren of Oscar Piastri, heralds promising prospects for Ferrari’s performance.
Charles Leclerc encountered delays when his car sustained damage during FP1, as a result of a collision involving Oliver Bearman and Alex Albon. He was only able to take to the track post-red flag stoppage and did not manage to complete a timed lap on standard tyres at the session’s conclusion.
Despite this setback, Leclerc’s performance was commendable, achieving times just a couple of tenths slower than Sainz when utilizing the experimental tyre comparison. Yet, uncertainty lingers regarding the sequence of the back-to-back runs conducted with the current and the ’25 tyres, as Pirelli refrains from disclosing specific details. With individual team cars executing inversely, the fastest times remain ambiguous regarding whether they were recorded on the old or the new-spec tyres.
To draw any conclusive insights on the competitiveness for the weekend, we can refer back to FP1, where several teams managed to squeeze in a simulated race stint. With Leclerc notably absent, determining the implications of Sainz’s commanding performance in the FP1 long run simulations, all utilizing the medium tyre, proves challenging.
Sainz posted an impressive average time, exceeding Russell’s Mercedes by over 0.9s while Russell outperformed Sergio Perez’s Red Bull by 0.3s, who in turn averaged slightly faster than Piastri’s McLaren, for an additional 0.3s gain. It is important to note that this scenario paints a sparse picture, notably devoid of comparison against top competitors like Verstappen, as well as other drivers such as Leclerc, Norris, and Hamilton whose cars were occupied by third drivers.
In the FP2 long runs, we can at least ascertain that all cars operated with consistent fuel loads, as mandated by Pirelli. These runs suggested Ferrari held a considerable advantage, although it’s worth noting that this is with the caveat of Verstappen’s absence. They managed to impressively outperform the McLaren team despite using a slightly harder tyre compound (C4 compared to C5).
Although it would be reasonable to assert that the C4 compound should exhibit superior stamina during race stints relative to the C5, the accuracy of this observation remains in question. Nevertheless, Ferrari emerges as the front-runner in the analysed figures.
FP2 test tyre long run comparison (average times)
Mercedes appears as something of an outlier in these observations, with George Russell establishing himself at the top of the FP1 leaderboard, a significant 0.4s ahead of Sainz. This prompts speculation: could Mercedes again have been hampered by their low running, a situation the team believed contributed to their difficulties in Austin? Notably, Russell’s car seemed nearly uncontrollable after he aggressively hit the Turn 9 kerb.
Hamilton provided insights, stating, “It didn’t feel terrible, just a little bit off the front cars.” Provisional forecasts suggest things are looking positive for Ferrari, yet there remains a watchful eye directed towards McLaren’s potential on the same tyre, not to mention what Verstappen and Red Bull could unveil, provided they can rectify the power unit issues instead of opting for replacement.
Interview with Motorsport Analyst, Alex Turner, on FP2 Tyre Testing and Implications for the Upcoming Race
Editor: Welcome, Alex! Thanks for joining us today. It seems the FP2 session turned into quite the tyre testing marathon. What were some key takeaways from the session?
Alex Turner: Thanks for having me! Yes, the extended FP2 session was indeed a significant tyre test for the 2025-spec Pirelli Formula 1 tyres. The enforced run plan meant teams had to follow a strict protocol, which, while ensuring consistency in testing, also limited their ability to freely fine-tune car setups.
Editor: That makes sense. Notably, we saw some thrilling performances despite the constraints. How do you think the varying tyre compounds impacted the results?
Alex Turner: Absolutely! The teams had different strategies regarding tyre selection. Red Bull and Aston Martin opted for the experimental soft C6 compound, which paid off with Yuki Tsunoda sitting P3. Meanwhile, Ferrari and Mercedes chose the experimental C4. Carlos Sainz’s top time using that tyre indicates Ferrari might have a competitive edge, especially given that they were using a compound that should theoretically last longer in the race.
Editor: Speaking of Ferrari, it’s intriguing how Charles Leclerc faced delays due to damage in FP1. How do you foresee his performance influencing the team dynamics this weekend?
Alex Turner: Leclerc’s performance has been impressive under difficult circumstances, particularly given that he didn’t get a chance to complete a timed lap on standard tyres. He was only a couple of tenths slower than Sainz on the experimental tyres, which suggests he’s still in the mix for strong performance. However, with his limited track time, there’s lingering uncertainty about how he’ll stack up against key competitors once full practice sessions begin.
Editor: The red flag delay caused by George Russell’s crash added to the drama, didn’t it? How did that affect the session overall?
Alex Turner: It definitely turned the session on its head. The red flag meant that drivers were constrained in their time, making it even more critical to stick to the Pirelli testing plan. With the limited time left, teams couldn’t maximize their setups or explore different configurations. As a result, the grip levels and performance we witnessed in FP2 might not reflect the full potential of the tyres when we see the cars in FP3.
Editor: With all that said, are there any predictions for the upcoming race based on what we observed?
Alex Turner: It’s hard to make definitive predictions, but Ferrari’s strong performance in both long runs during FP1 and the short stint in FP2 indicates that they might have an advantage. That said, without seeing Verstappen’s performance, it’s difficult to ascertain how they’ll fare against Red Bull. The competitive landscape remains quite murky but certainly exciting!
Editor: Thank you, Alex, for sharing your insights! It’s shaping up to be an interesting race weekend.
Alex Turner: My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
Editor: Thanks for your insights, Alex! There were also some challenges faced during the session, particularly with the red flag caused by George Russell’s crash. How did that affect the teams’ ability to gather data on the new tyres?
Alex Turner: The red flag really threw a wrench into the plans for many teams. With the clock ticking down, the delay meant that drivers had less time to complete their Pirelli testing protocol. Since the session was strictly focused on tyre evaluation, teams couldn’t make any set-up changes or chase quick lap times, which is crucial in fine-tuning for race conditions. This kind of disruption can lead to incomplete data for teams trying to assess their performance ahead of the race.
Editor: That makes sense. With Mercedes showing some mixed results, especially after Russell’s strong FP1 performance and Hamilton’s comments about feeling “a little bit off,” how do you see them recalibrating entering the race weekend?
Alex Turner: Mercedes is certainly in a complex position. Their high pace in FP1 suggested they had the potential, but the subsequent difficulties during FP2 raise questions about their consistency. Hamilton’s remarks indicate they need to find that sweet spot in setup to compete with rivals like Ferrari. They have to address these inconsistencies quickly to avoid falling further behind, especially with teams like McLaren and Ferrari showing strong performances.
Editor: Lastly, looking ahead, what should we keep an eye on as the race weekend unfolds? Do you think Ferrari’s performance in FP2 and the tyre comparisons will carry into race day?
Alex Turner: It’s certainly possible. Ferrari’s position appears strong, especially with Sainz’s impressive times on a harder compound. However, we need to see how things unfold in FP3 and qualifying; that’s where the real competitive edge will come through. Additionally, don’t count out Red Bull entirely—we still await news on Verstappen’s potential return. Their overall speed and strategy in the race will be crucial. As always, tyre management will be critical this weekend, so it’s important to watch how teams balance performance and durability with the new compounds.
Editor: Excellent insights, Alex! Thanks for joining us to unpack the latest developments from the extended FP2 session. We’ll certainly keep a close eye on how these dynamics play out this weekend.
Alex Turner: Thank you! Looking forward to an exciting race weekend ahead!
