Pirelli tire engineers predicted that the newly resurfaced Monza circuit would experience high tire granulation, and their predictions have proven accurate. Teams have largely avoided the hard compound (C3) tires, with only Yuki Tsunoda opting to use them. Most teams focused on medium and soft compounds, with the C4 used for longer runs and the C5 for qualifying simulations. Pirelli’s Head of F1 & Car Racing, Mario Isola, noted the increased grip levels on the new track surface but also raised concerns about the impact of the Monza’s low aerodynamic loads, which can exacerbate tire granulation. While the hard compound has seen limited use, teams are likely to prioritize hard and medium tires for the race to attempt a one-stop strategy. A second set of hard tires will be kept as a backup option, potentially needed if high granulation necessitates a plan B. The key concern for the remainder of the weekend is how the track surface evolves as more laps are completed and the temperature rises. This situation adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging weekend, with Monza’s unique characteristics and the threat of high temperatures further intensifying the challenge for teams.