What race strategies are available for the Las Vegas Grand Prix?

Pirelli has highlighted that a two-stop strategy will likely be the fastest way to the chequered flag for the drivers at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Formula 1's tyre supplier has suggested that the Medium compound is the most favourable compound to start the race on, with the first pit window stretching from lap 10 to 15.

Drivers would then take on a set of Hards to bring to at least lap 29 before swapping to another set of Hards to see out the remainder of the Grand Prix.

Extending the opening stint slightly may allow for the drivers to use a second set of Mediums for the final stint.

Pirelli has stated that the two-stop strategy is likely to be undertaken if drivers experience tyre graining as a result of running consistently in sub-optimal temperatures - an issue that was seen during FP3 and qualifying.

However, if graining is not a factor and drivers look after their tyres in the first stint on the Medium compound to bring them to at least lap 18, that opens the door for a one-stop onto the Hard compound to the end.

The Medium and the Hard compounds are likely to be the most favourable tyres, with the use of the Soft unlikely bar any late stops for the fastest lap attempts.

However, teams will have to consider the track temperature when doing so as it may result in several laps to get the tyre up to temperature and risk graining.

“There are various options on the table, both in terms of which sets the teams will choose to give back at the end of the day, and based on the impact of graining,” said Pirelli's Head of F1 Mario Isola.

“If this phenomenon becomes less of a factor as the track rubbers in, then the one-stop should be quickest, otherwise a two-stop could prove to be competitive.

“Then, the choice of which compound to use the most will also depend on choices made and, maybe, it could also open a window for the Soft for the final part of the race.”