Formula 1 has taken a leap into the future: while the Circus was moving from Baku to Singapore, yesterday the new prototype tyres for 2026 made their debut in Barcelona. It was an important day, because it is the first step of the sole supplier towards a regulation that has not yet been defined in all its technical and sporting aspects.
Here is the Pirelli prototype tire with the 2026 dimensions
Photo by: Pirelli
The Milanese manufacturer has defined tyres according to the indications of the FIA which confirmed the diameter of the 18” rim which will remain unchanged compared to the current generation of single-seaters, while the width and external diameter of the tyre will change and will be slightly smaller, both on the front and rear axles.
After the initial design, simulation and bench testing phases, the development program includes, in parallel, a series of track tests carried out thanks to the fundamental collaboration of the teams.
The aerodynamic configuration of the 2026 single-seaters will be very different, as will their dimensions, which will tend to reduce to transform the current ground effect cars into so-called agile single-seaters.
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin Racing, during the Pirelli Barcelona test with 2026 tyres
Photo by: Pirelli
The first team to take to the track was Aston Martin on the Catalan track, which modified an AMR23-Mercedes according to the 2026 rules, that is, with a substantial reduction in downforce and, above all, with suspensions redesigned for the new sizes. All the teams have adhered to the plan that the FIA and Pirelli have outlined for the development of the 2026 tires, for which each team will transform one of its own single-seaters into a mule car.
Drugovich, Aston Martin, gives his advice to Pirelli Barcelona technicians after the test with 2026 tyres
Photo by: Pirelli
Yesterday’s test saw Felipe Drugovich, reserve driver for the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team, on track. The Brazilian, who has been part of the Silverstone team’s Academy since 2022, covered a total of 670 kilometres and will be busy on track again today.
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