After the completion of the initial sighter runs, teams at Suzuka sent their drivers out for lengthy stints on higher fuel loads to test their performance on the challenging tire management task. Among the frontrunners, both Red Bull and Ferrari showcased mirrored run plans, setting the stage for an intriguing battle on Sunday. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, expressed his frustration with Charles Leclerc’s FP1 long run for Ferrari, hinting at the competitive pace displayed by the Scuderia. Based on the averages from the final practice session, Leclerc’s 13-lap stint on the medium tires produced a notable 1m36.204s average, slightly edging out Red Bull’s best long run by 0.482s, showcasing Ferrari’s potential to challenge the top contenders.
In contrast to Red Bull and Ferrari, Mercedes opted for a different strategy in the practice sessions at Suzuka. George Russell completed a 14-lap race simulation effort early in FP3, showcasing impressive pace with an average of 1m35.301s. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s long run on the soft tires revealed a potential race tire option, given the cooler temperatures at the circuit. Despite recording an average of 1m35.985s, Hamilton experienced a significant drop-off in pace towards the end of his stint, highlighting the challenges of tire management during the race.
McLaren’s Performance Analysis
McLaren, another top team, conducted a race simulation on the soft tires during FP3, with Oscar Piastri posting an average time of 1m36.975s. Although slightly slower than their rivals, McLaren showcased a more consistent pace throughout the stint, indicating a well-rounded performance. However, Lando Norris did not complete a long run, leaving room for speculation about the team’s overall strategy for the race day.
Aston Martin stood out from the rest of the field by opting for hard tires for their long run efforts, a decision that diverged from the typical tire choices seen in practice sessions. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll displayed competitive performance on the hard compound, with Alonso recording the best average for the team at 1m35.692s over 11 laps. This deviation in tire selection adds an element of unpredictability to the race strategy for Aston Martin, setting them apart from their competitors.
Implications for Race Day
The variation in run plans among the teams in the practice sessions at Suzuka adds complexity to predicting the true long-run performance. While the data from FP3 offers some insights, the public statements from Pirelli suggest the possibility of diverse race strategies unfolding on Sunday. With the potential for strategy variance compared to the previous year’s event, the main race at Suzuka promises an exciting and competitive showdown among the top teams in Formula 1.
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