P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Imola will host the seventh round of the 2024 F1 season – but what strategies are viable for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen will aim to bounce back at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after being beaten on-track for the first time this season in Miami. The driver who outperformed him, Lando Norris, will start next to him in the enhanced McLaren MCL38 at Imola. Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, initially qualified second but received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Kevin Magnussen, forcing him to start fifth. McLaren’s penalty hinders the use of multiple race strategies but Piastri will seek to overtake the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc early on. The race is anticipated to be a one-stop event due to the challenging passing opportunities and lengthy pit lane at Imola, making a two-stop strategy less feasible. Pirelli has supplied the softest tyre compounds for the race with the medium C4 expected to be the favored race tyre, according to Pirelli’s motorsport director Mario Isola. The circuit’s introduction of gravel traps could lead to increased safety car appearances, potentially influencing tyre choices and pit stop strategies. Teams starting on medium tyres are predicted to pit between laps 21 and 27, but the possibility of running long could open the door for starting on harder tyres. This tactic could maximize the over-cut strategy, especially if a mid-race safety car period occurs. Cars starting on hard tyres might opt for a second stint on either medium or soft tyres, depending on their tyre wear and performance throughout the 63-lap race.
