Haas lacking understanding of Hypersoft F1 tyre heading to Canada  

The Haas Formula 1 team is targeting a greater understanding of Pirelli’s Hypersoft tyre compound at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, following its struggles in Monaco. 

Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli debuted its fastest ever F1 compound at the Monaco Grand Prix as lap times tumbled around the Principality, with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo setting a new track record as he claimed pole position. The tyre had previously only been used during pre-season testing and the first in-season test in Barcelona. 

A number of teams including Haas reported severe graining and degradation on the Pink-walled compound. The American squad – which has enjoyed a competitive start to the new campaign – struggled for performance in Monaco as both drivers finishing outside of the points. 

Romain Grosjean, who is yet to score a point in what has been his worst start to an F1 season to date, believes his team needs to get to grips with the Hypersoft quickly in Canada if it is to get the best out of the compound. 

“I think it worked as expected in qualifying, even though I don’t think we got the best of them. We’ve got to get a bit more understanding of them heading to Canada,” Grosjean said. 

“In the race, I’ve got to be honest, the three different compounds just didn’t work for us. We were just cruising around, not driving, not pushing as hard as we wanted.

“Tyre compounds are going to be the number one priority for us to understand with the new package. The circuit is very different. It is much more high speed with much more curb riding, so the setups are quite different.” 

Teammate Kevin Magnussen is confident Haas should not encounter the same warm-up related issues it faced in Monaco due to the nature of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s long straights and heavy braking zones. 

“I think the Hypersoft is a good tyre, though in Monaco I think it was still too hard – it was difficult to switch on,” the Dane explained. “Hopefully in Canada it will be a little bit easier. You’ve got longer straights to put load on the tyres at high speed to switch them on.”