Pirelli’s new C6 tyre debuted at Imola but caused confusion as competitors struggled to make it last over a single lap, even though initial feedback was positive about its grip. The difference in laptimes was greater than anticipated, leading to teams facing challenges managing the tyre’s performance during qualifying. Pirelli’s Mario Isola admitted the reasons for the C6 underperforming were unclear, with drivers experiencing more understeer on Saturday compared to Friday.
Teams had to adapt their strategies, with Mercedes sending George Russell out on the C5 tyre in the final qualifying run, sacrificing tyre selection for the race. Despite expectations of being faster, the C6 proved less consistent than the C5, with many drivers setting faster times on the medium compound. Pirelli attributed the difference to the used tyre’s predictable performance peak and explained the understeer shift and easier handling after a heat cycle. The situation highlighted the complexity of tyre management and the challenges faced by teams in maximizing performance.
