Lewis Hamilton claims victory from second on the grid, moving from Full Wets to Ultrasofts on its race debut.

The Monaco Grand Prix got underway behind a safety car in wet conditions, which altered the complexion of race strategy entirely, as all the drivers had to start on the Cinturato Blue full wet tyres (in accordance with the regulations). The safety car came in after seven laps, with most drivers eventually switching to intermediates. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was one of just two competitors to stay out on the full wets as the circuit dried, switching straight to P Zero Purple ultrasoft on lap 31.

Polesitter Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) went to the P Zero Red supersoft one lap later after a long pit stop, emerging directly behind Hamilton, which was the start of a brilliant duel for the lead between them.

An alternative strategy was adopted by Force India’s Sergio Perez, who finished third from eighth on the grid, going from the intermediate to the P Zero Yellow soft tyre.

All five types of tyre brought to Monaco – full wet, intermediate, soft, supersoft and ultrasoft – were used extensively throughout the race. Because it was a wet race at the beginning, there was no obligation to run at least two slick compounds. The Mercedes driver ran for a full 47 laps on the ultrasoft, which had never been seen before in testing or free practice, setting fastest lap close to the end of the race.

COURTESY OF PIRELLI & C. S.p.A.