Gutierrez goes aggressive with Mexico tyre choice

By on
F1 Grand Prix, GP Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguezmx

F1 tyre manufacturer Pirelli announced the individual tyre choices for this weekend’s Mexican GP. Some opted for a rather bold allocation while the three leading teams – Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari – played safe with their choices.

The Mexican GP celebrated its inaugural exam last year which means Pirelli had data when it evaluated its compounds for this year’s race. The Italian company will supply the trio of supersoft, soft and medium compounds which is the same as in last weekend’s American GP.

The medium and soft tyres are the mandatory sets for the race. That means every driver must have one set available for the race and must use at least one of them. Supersofts are assigned for Q3 in qualifying.

Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz proved to be the bravest drivers from the field as both ordered eight sets from the supersofts while Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez was the most reluctant towards the hardest compound available. It means the home hero won’t be able to practise on the medium because his only set has to be available for the race.

Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes drivers were careful with their tyre choices which means they could try out every compound before qualifying.