Pirelli Highlights Tyre Strategy Rollercoaster at Brazilian Grand Prix
Pirelli described the Brazilian Grand Prix as a “rollercoaster of tyre strategies,” with all three compounds coming into play and multiple pit-stop variations defining the outcome. The official Pirelli report noted that the mix of soft, medium and hard tyres created a wide range of approaches, making Interlagos one of the most strategically complex races of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Cooler track temperatures, intermittent drizzle, and two early safety car periods played a key role in shaping race dynamics. The hard tyre struggled for grip on the damp surface, forcing most front-runners to rely on medium and soft compounds. Despite the unpredictability, several teams experimented with bold combinations, producing a total of seven different race strategies among the top 17 finishers.
Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, Mario Isola, said the diversity in pit-stop timing and tyre usage led to exciting on-track battles. He added that tyre strategy once again proved to be the defining factor in determining pace, overtakes, and overall race rhythm. Most of the field adopted a two-stop plan, though some drivers attempted one-stop and even three-stop approaches, making the event a true test of tyre adaptability.
The race at Interlagos showcased how modern Formula 1 increasingly revolves around tyre data and compound performance. From the opening lap to the chequered flag, teams were forced to read the conditions, protect their sets and optimise grip within ever-changing scenarios.
Editor’s View:
The Brazilian Grand Prix reminded everyone that strategy on paper rarely survives the chaos of the track. When teams use all three compounds and still struggle to find a perfect balance, it highlights just how decisive tyre performance has become in the championship narrative.
For the tyre industry, this was a weekend that underlined adaptability over perfection. The hard compound’s lack of play showed the need for rubber that can respond to changing moisture, surface grip, and temperature windows. The tyre strategy diversity also points to something deeper, the growing sophistication of data-driven decisions that depend entirely on how tyres behave in real time.
The race may have crowned a driver, but it quietly celebrated the science of tyres that made the spectacle possible.
