F1 Bahrain testing continues: Pirelli schedules wet-weather session with two teams. Pirelli will conduct a special wet-weather F1 test in Bahrain with Mercedes and McLaren.

Pirelli remains in Bahrain for wet-weather testing with two F1 teams

The Bahrain tests are not over yet: Pirelli has announced a new wet-weather session that will involve only two F1 teams. The Italian tire manufacturer is often urged to improve wet-weather performance, which is why these upcoming tests will be conducted under such conditions.

Mercedes and McLaren confirmed for the special session

According to Motorsport reports, the two teams participating in this special session will be Mercedes and McLaren, each providing one car for testing. The session will allow Pirelli to gather valuable data on tire behavior in wet conditions, which is increasingly important given the radical technical changes in the 2026 regulations.

Mario Isola on the wet-weather test plans

“We are trying to organize a wet-weather test here in Bahrain,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport director, during the pre-season F1 tests. “I’m very confident because the circuit has a method for wetting the entire track, not using tanks but another irrigation system. If they do it correctly, we will have the opportunity to test on a high-severity track in wet conditions.”

Isola highlighted the productive cooperation of the Bahrain personnel, who agreed to allow an additional test session. “This is not something that happens very often. So we have this opportunity, and we want to make the most of it. I have to say the people in Bahrain are always very cooperative when we make unusual requests. I called them and asked if we could organize a wet-weather test, and they immediately said yes.”

The importance of wet-weather testing

Both McLaren and Mercedes will participate in the test, driving cars effectively similar to their 2026 models. Considering the radical changes in the regulations, Pirelli has limited actual data on this year’s cars. This means the company has not yet determined whether to continue with the traditional intermediate/full wet tires or switch to a single “super intermediate” compound.

“If we need to consider a single wet-weather model, we can do that,” Isola explained. “But we need to decide, because developing three different products across three test sessions – one intermediate, one full wet, and one super intermediate – does not take much work. We need to understand which direction to take.”

Running in wet conditions could provide valuable insights and guide tire development for the season ahead. “Whether it is enough for the race director to allow them to run or not, I don’t know. What we have tried to achieve is to reduce the transition time between wet and intermediate tires to make wet tires more usable,” Isola concluded.

Mercedes and McLaren to return at the end of February

Mercedes and McLaren are set to return to the track at the end of February for this specialized session, just before the start of the 2026 F1 season. The data gathered will be crucial in optimizing tire performance and ensuring teams are ready for all-weather scenarios during the championship.

As the sport transitions into a new era of aerodynamics and power units, the success of these wet-weather trials will be crucial for race safety and entertainment. By gathering high-quality data on Bahrain’s abrasive surface, Pirelli hopes to deliver a tire range that allows drivers to push the limits even when the heavens open, ensuring that the 2026 season remains competitive regardless of the weather conditions.