Mercedes wanted to convince F1 to abandon the 2026 tires that Pirelli has just started developing in specific testing sessions, proposing to stick with the 2025 tires, which are wider than those mandated by the FIA for the new regulations. The goal was twofold: to reduce drag and to lighten the cars, which currently weigh 800 kg.
The German team found no supporters for its proposal, and just a week ago, the Tyre Working Group evaluated Pirelli’s offer, thinking there might be more teams in favor of maintaining the status quo, despite the regulatory revolution of 2026, which involves reducing the tire width by 25 millimeters at the front and 30 millimeters at the rear. In the end, by a large majority, it was decided to proceed with the narrower tires.
However, George Russell, during the collective tests, wanted to emphasize his view: “Some drivers have already driven with the 2026 tires, which will be narrower to reduce aerodynamic drag. I must say that driving with these tires was challenging, especially compared to the wider ones we currently have. With the new tires, it was much worse. It’s logical because they are narrower. We hope to improve in the coming months.”
In the paddock, questions are being raised about the actual goal behind rejecting the 2026 tires: some insiders believe there may have been an aerodynamic issue at play. Since January 2, teams have been allowed to work in the wind tunnel with a scale model of the agile car. If the 2025 tires were confirmed, all the preparatory work in the wind tunnel would have been wasted because the different tire cross-section would have a significant impact on airflow, especially since the aerodynamic regulations have not yet been fully defined, so we can expect some surprises…
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