Pirelli’s Strategy Report from 2026 United States Grand Prix

Pirelli motorsport director Dario Marrafuschi reviewed the strategic decisions at the 2026 United States Grand Prix, where a one-stop strategy narrowly prevailed. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the race using a Medium-to-Hard one-stop plan. Meanwhile, podium finishers Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen each opted for two-stop strategies during the race in Austin.

According to Pirelli, tire degradation aligned with pre-race expectations, with the Hard compound showing slightly stronger performance than projected. Marrafuschi explained that an early pit stop by Verstappen prompted several teams to adopt two-stop strategies, while Antonelli's victory extended his championship lead over George Russell to 123 points.