F1 teams facing strategy headache at Canadian Grand Prix

Pirelli has outlined a two-stop strategy as the likely option F1 teams will take to navigate the Canadian Grand Prix, but highlighted it will not be a simple route to the finish.

George Russell will start the race from pole position after besting Max Verstappen to the fastest lap on Saturday.

The Briton is seeking both his and Mercedes' first race victory of the campaign, having made four appearances on the podium thus far.

Pirelli has brought the three softest tyre compounds to the race event, including the new-for-2025 C6 compound.

The Italian marque has outlined the option to start the race on the medium compound before enduring two runs on the hard compound.

However, should a driver have two medium tyres available, they can extend their opening stint to give them the opportunity to switch back to the yellow-walled compound after a stint on the hards.

Alternatively, fitting the soft compound at the start before having two stints on the hard is possible - but this might hinder the driver's pace at the end of the race.

In a bigger gamble, a one-stop strategy would see the driver starting on the medium tyre before fitting the hards - however, both stints would be long and require significant tyre saving.

“We think a two-stop is still the most plausible option, favouring the use of the medium and hard,” said Pirelli head of F1 Mario Isola. 

“The one-stop is theoretically possible, but unlikely to pay off, especially as overtaking is possible here. 

“The C6 could be a useful choice for the start, for example for those with two new sets of hards available, who are planning a relatively short first stint or for anyone banking on an early appearance from the safety car.”