TYRE PREVIEW: Pirelli goes a step softer, but thunderstorm could bring chaos in Miami

Similar to the last round in Jeddah, Formula One's sole tyre manufacturer Pirelli will go a step softer at this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, bringing the trio of C3, C4 and C5 compounds to the first of three US rounds.

Formula 1 moves from shore to shore, from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, from the Asian continent to North America and from Saudi Arabia to the United States.

However, despite the long distance between the two venues, the tyre selection will remain the same as Pirelli has elected to bring thr C3, C4 and C5 compounds to Miami. It represents a softer tyre choice compared to last year, with the sport hoping that the softer rubber will lead to a bigger strategy variation.

This weekend's Miami Grand Prix is the first of three to be held in the United States this year, as has been the case since 2023, with the Floridian round joining the calendar in 2022.

The race is held on a track around the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins NFL team and one of nine ATP Masters venues.

The surface of the track is very smooth, exposing the tyres to moderate longitudinal and lateral forces. Thermal degradation will be a major factor, as temperatures are expected to be very high, given that last year’s track temperature exceeded 55 °C. The surface was relaid in 2023 and, as with the other temporary Grand Prix circuits, grip levels will increase significantly the more the track rubbers-in across the weekend.

Despite the high temperatures, the Miami Grand Prix has been a one-stop race, including last year’s. The Medium was the tyre of choice for the opening stint for 15 of the 20 drivers, before a switch mainly to the Hard, with just a couple of drivers opting for the Soft, which actually displayed relatively low degradation.

The performance differential between all three of last year’s compounds, C2, C3 and C4, was quite small. The strategy, particularly the timing of the pit stop, was affected by a Virtual Safety Car, which then morphed into a full Safety Car period. It will be interesting to see if this year’s softer compounds will open the door to a two-stop strategy.

However, the rain could bring chaos this weekend. While Friday is expected to feature nice, sunny weather, there is a threat of rain for Saturday. Thunderstorms could be a factor during the sprint race, which takes place at 12:00 local time.

During the main race on Sunday, the threat of showers increases. Some thunderstorms are approaching in the afternoon and may pass over the circuit, albeit it is not sure whether and when this hits the track.