Megaride simulation: little grip in Miami, it’s imperative not to slip

After the first 5 stages in the eastern part of the globe, F1 moves to the United States for the Grand Prix in Miami, Florida, for the first of three events in the States.

The Miami track is a street circuit located near the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team. The track is characterized by 19 curves, 7 on the right and 12 on the left, and has 3 straights, two of which are very long, and as many DRS zones. Its layout is particularly atypical: there are both straights which require a low-load configuration of the cars, and low-speed and winding sectors which instead require a high aerodynamic load.

The challenge, therefore, for engineers and drivers will be to find the right trade-off to maximize performance in each sector. Further complicating the work is the asphalt which is smooth and slippery with low expected grip, especially in the first sessions. Another factor to take into consideration is certainly the external temperature, generally high in this period of the year, which can put the cars and drivers in difficulty.

• From the temperature graph it is clear that the most stressed tires are those on the right, both front and rear, especially between turns 6 and turn 8. Turn 17 is also particularly demanding, at the end of the last long straight before the finish line.
• Also for this weekend, Pirelli has made the medium set of its range, C2-C3-C4, available to the teams, which allows for the right compromise between durability and performance. The expected loads, in fact, are not high and the asphalt, although smooth and slippery, is not particularly abrasive. It is possible to hypothesize a one-stop race.
• The expected high environmental temperatures will constitute a further problem to consider for tire management: therefore pay attention to possible thermal degradation. Furthermore, the expected low grip, given the non-permanent nature of the track, could facilitate the onset of graining on the tyres. This phenomenon, due to the lateral sliding of the rubber, leads to the formation of “lumps” on the tread surface with a consequent reduction in grip.

The track, smooth and slippery, is not particularly abrasive for the tires and, as shown by the graph representing the level of criticality in terms of wear, the most stressed tires are those on the right.

The greater number of left turns, in fact, puts more strain on the right side both due to the continuous changes in direction and the frequent accelerations, resulting in fairly homogeneous criticality both at the front and at the rear. Watch out for the possible presence of graining which could accelerate the wear process.