STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Italian GP?

Mercedes-powered cars made it 13 poles from 13 races in 2026 on Saturday afternoon, but no-one predicted Pierre Gasly would be the driver up top. While the Frenchman’s pace isn’t in doubt, Alpine haven’t really threatened the sharp-end of the grid in quite a while.

Fastest in Q1, fourth in Q2, and quickest by six-hundredths when it mattered most. Presented with a rare opportunity, Gasly didn’t blink. But what happens on race day? Everything points to a one-stop race… but there are subtleties and variations within a one-stop. Let’s take a look at the options…