Verstappen set to struggle - Abu Dhabi GP strategy guide

Martin Macdonald

Sunday 25 November 2018 11:38

The final Grand Prix race of the season takes place on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, and there is certainly less tension in the air due to both championships being secured already. However, the most vital strategy will likely come from Max Verstappen, who starts on hypersoft tyres.

In yesterday's qualifying session, Verstappen complained of overheated tyres in Q2 before he squeezed into Q3, where he had to utilise hypersoft tyres in order to secure a better grid position.

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The Dutchman is set to start in Abu Dhabi using hypersofts, which puts him at a disadvantage against the top five - Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, and Daniel Ricciardo - who will all be using the harder, ultrasofts, which will last longer on their first stint.

Verstappen could be heard swearing at his Red Bull crew due to the alleged overheated tyres, but explained afterwards that profanities were simply said in the heat of the moment.

Pirelli have provided a strategy guide for the race on Sunday, and it seems a one-stop race is the order of the day - something Verstappen could struggle with.

Race strategies for 55-lap #AbuDhabiGP: fastest strategy is a one-stopper. One stint on ultrasoft for 18 to 22 laps, then supersoft to the flag. Second-fastest strategy is another one-stopper: one stint on hypersoft for 8 to 12 laps, then supersoft to the flag (1/2) — Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) November 24, 2018