Verstappen hopeful Pirelli change will enthuse Australian GP

Max Verstappen believes Pirelli's decision to bring soft tyres to the Australian Grand Prix could spice the race up. Pirelli has opted to use the C5 compound as the Soft tyre in Melbourne, the first time it would have been used at a race in 2024, and was also scarcely used in pre-season testing. The Albert Park circuit was resurfaced ahead of F1's return to Australia in 2022, which Verstappen feels has made the street track easier to drive, and feels that this combined with the more aggressive tyre choices could lead to more strategic variance.

"It is a very fast track layout now, which requires a good mix of getting straight line speed as well as decent grip in the corners, so it’s all about finding that middle ground," Verstappen explained. "The recent resurfacing has made the track a lot smoother and fun to drive too, so we are looking forward to that. "We also have softer compounds compared to last year, which will make it a bit more tricky for strategy, but hopefully means it is better for racing with more pit-stops. "Getting used to the jet lag is always a challenge down under, but it is always great to be in Melbourne regardless."