Red Bull holds key tyre edge for Silverstone

Red Bull heads into the British Grand Prix with a potentially decisive strategic advantage, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar each still holding two brand-new sets of medium tyres for a race Pirelli expects to be "virtually guaranteed" as a one-stopper.

That matters because Pirelli’s preferred plan for the 52-lap Silverstone race is to start on the medium compound and pit between laps 24 and 30 for hards. Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren drivers each have only one fresh set of mediums left, leaving Red Bull with more freedom on the tyre Pirelli expects to shape the race.

The extra flexibility comes despite Verstappen starting only seventh. Red Bull decided not to fit a new engine or make further setup changes before the race, so his qualifying position stands rather than turning Sunday into the pit-lane recovery drive The Telegraaf had described as a "crazy" overtaking race. Hadjar starts fifth, putting both Red Bull cars in position to use that tyre stock more aggressively than some of their direct rivals.

Pirelli’s race analysis suggests that approach could be crucial. After Saturday running, the company said tyre degradation was lower than expected and estimated a one-stop strategy to be about 13 seconds faster than a two-stop. That is why the medium-to-hard route is its clear first choice unless the race is interrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

There is an alternative on paper, with Pirelli outlining a medium opening stint extended to laps 29 to 35 before a switch to softs. But none of the front-runners has a fresh set of soft tyres, which only increases the value of Red Bull still having an extra unused medium set available.

If the race is neutralized late by a safety car, virtual safety car or red flag, that advantage could become even sharper. While rivals may have to choose from used tyres in the closing stages, Red Bull would still have the option of sending Verstappen or Hadjar back out on fresh mediums, a difference that could reshape the fight for the podium.