After two consecutive Grand Prix victories, Max Verstappen heads to Austin, where he will face a significant challenge. According to tyre supplier Pirelli, tyre wear could play a major role at the United States Grand Prix. A revised tyre selection does, however, give Red Bull Racing an additional strategic option.
Pirelli is bringing three types of dry-weather tyres: the C2 hard, the C3 medium and the C4 soft. As is well known, softer tyres generally offer more grip, but tend not to last as long. Teams must therefore weigh up whether to prioritise speed or run longer without changing tyres.
The change this weekend concerns the hard tyre. Last year, Pirelli used the harder C1 for this compound, but this time, it is the C2. The medium and soft tyres remain the same as in 2025, narrowing the gap between the three available compounds.
Why the tyres will be under strain in Austin
The Circuit of the Americas puts stress on both the front and rear tyres. In the first sector, fast corners come in quick succession, repeatedly forcing the front tyres to steer the car in a different direction. Later in the lap, the rear tyres have to do much of the work as drivers accelerate out of slow corners. This can cause them to overheat and lose grip.
The asphalt also plays a part. The section between Turns 9 and 11 has been resurfaced, while the rest of the track surface is getting older. Pirelli expects tyre wear to be a significant factor as a result. Last year, several tyres were heavily worn by the end of their stints.
For the drivers, this means that pushing flat out at all times is not necessarily the fastest way to complete the race. Those who ask too much of their tyres early on may lose grip later and start posting progressively slower lap times. They may also need to make an extra pit stop.
New tyre selection gives Verstappen an opportunity
Pirelli expects a one-stop strategy to be the most likely option. The C2 could play an important role, as it should be capable of completing many consecutive laps. High temperatures could change that plan, however: if the tyres lose performance more quickly, alternative strategies become more appealing.
Can Max Verstappen repeat his successful 2025 weekend in Austin? - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
A second tyre change costs time, but also provides fresh rubber. Red Bull will therefore have to judge whether Verstappen can make up enough time on new tyres to offset the extra stop. Staying out longer only makes sense as long as his lap times do not drop off too sharply.
Last year, Verstappen won in Austin with a one-stop strategy. He started on medium tyres and switched to softs on lap 33. He made it to the end of the race on them, although he had to manage his tyres carefully towards the finish. This shows that opting for a relatively soft tyre can work, but it is no guarantee for this weekend.
Red Bull's focus returns to the long runs
Longer runs during the practice sessions will therefore naturally be important. Drivers complete multiple consecutive laps on the same set of tyres during these runs. This allows Red Bull to assess how much speed Verstappen loses over time and how long he can safely stay out. After all, a single fast lap says little about how long a tyre will last. Verstappen's chances of securing a third consecutive Grand Prix victory in Austin will also depend on how well the RB22 can maintain its pace over a longer run of laps.