Madring puts tyres at the centre of a weekend with no reference points

Pirelli has selected C2, C3 and C4 for Formula 1’s first race at the Madring. The new asphalt is very smooth and relatively low-grip, yet simulations place the circuit among the five most demanding of the season for tyre energy. Lateral loads are expected to approach Barcelona and Silverstone levels.

The lap mixes a fast first sector, medium- and low-speed corners and 90-degree turns reminiscent of Baku. Turn 12, La Monumental, is expected to generate the highest vertical tyre load of the year.

Teams must therefore build temperature quickly without overheating later on a surface likely to evolve sharply across the weekend. Friday long runs will matter more than headline lap times: they will show whether degradation simulations were accurate and which compounds need to be protected for Sunday.