Formula 1 returns this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix following a lengthy break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, with Pirelli confirming the use of its three softest compounds for the street circuit event.

The race at the Miami International Autodrome, built around the Hard Rock Stadium, will run over 57 laps on the 5.412 kilometre layout, featuring 19 corners and three long straights.

Pirelli said teams will have access to the C3, C4 and C5 tyres, with the track surface, resurfaced in 2023, offering low roughness and increasing grip as the weekend progresses.

Pirelli indicated that tyre degradation in Miami remains limited, which should favour a one stop strategy as seen in previous editions of the race.

The tyre supplier noted that the circuit’s characteristics allow drivers to extend stints, with strategy typically centred around a mid race pit window.

However, it warned that street circuit conditions could still introduce variables, particularly through neutralisations.

Pirelli explained: “Tyre degradation in Miami has always been limited, thanks to the characteristics of the circuit, allowing drivers to extend their stints and make just a single pit stop during the race.”

It added: “Another factor to consider on Sunday is the possibility of neutralisations, which are common on any street circuit, where precision is crucial to avoid contact with the barriers.”

The Miami weekend will again feature the Sprint format, increasing pressure on teams with reduced practice time and raising the potential for unpredictable outcomes.

Pirelli pointed to last year’s Sprint as an example of how quickly conditions can change, with drivers switching from intermediate tyres to slicks within 19 laps despite heavy rain before the start.

Pirelli stated: “One interesting characteristic that emerged last year was how quickly the circuit dried.”

It continued: “Variable weather conditions could once again spring surprises over the course of the weekend.”

In 2025, the race, won by Oscar Piastri, followed a straightforward strategic pattern, with drivers split between medium and hard tyres before converging around a mid distance pit stop window.

With low degradation expected again and the softest compounds in play, the focus shifts to execution and timing, particularly if safety cars or changing weather disrupt what is otherwise projected to be a controlled strategic race.