What race strategies are in play at the 2024 F1 Japanese GP?

Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has detailed the tyre strategies that will be in play during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen will start the race from pole position, leading a Red Bull 1-2 with team-mate Sergio Perez close behind.

Pirelli has brought the C1, C2 and C3 compounds - the hardest in its range - to Suzuka to deal with the aggressive track surface.

But what is the best strategy en route to victory?

Two-stop strategy

Pirelli has detailed that a two-stop strategy is the fastest way to the finish line on Sunday due to the high degradation around the track.

Looking on the Soft tyre, a pit stop window will open from lap nine to 15 with the driver then making a later swap to the Hard compound.

Pirelli sees the red-walled compound as a legitimate option to take the start of the race, an unusual circumstance as teams normally opt for a harder tyre for the opening stint.

However, Pirelli's Head of F1 Mario Isola stated that “some teams, such as Ferrari, Red Bull and Aston Martin as well as Magnussen, who only have on set of the C1 available, will have to try something else”.

An alternative option includes taking on the Medium compound and extend the opening stint - pitting between laps 11 and 18 - before making the swap to the Hard tyre later in the grand prix.

Major focus will likely be given to overtaking through strategy as the narrow Suzuka Circuit is a difficult track to pass on.

Isola added the circumstances “all add up to what should be an interesting race from start to finish.”