Yes, softest tire compounds for Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull wanted to start on mediums, so this could be a problem, or then again, it could not. The soft should help Max get a good start and lead in to turn 1. Nothing's guaranteed of course, but it's an edge on the grid anyway. Projections are 15 laps from the softs, and then it's expected the hards can go to the end. But Red Bull will need to be doing this early you'd think and that could hand track position back to the Mercs, especially if the early-pitting Red Bulls don't come out in clear air.
What's vital is Max being ahead after the start. In the clear air he can manage his tire temps. If he is following Lewis, and on full fuel load, those tires won't last nearly as long. So Max absolutely needs to lead in to turn 1.
I think Max would prefer to be starting on mediums, but he doesn't seem too concerned about it. If he can convert that softer compound in to a lead outside DRS range it could even prove to be better. But all this means that Merc will have the better tires at the business end. I'm assuming a one-stop, but of course they could do something different too.
If the soft-hard can't get to the end then it's a clear advantage for Merc. The shorter track and fewer turns should add some life to the hards over past races here.
But who knows what will happen? Max could stall on the grid and it's over before the first turn. So much fookin' drama.
