Pirelli continues testing for the 2026 tyres alongside Mercedes, entrusting George Russell with the task of trying out the new wet-weather compounds, among which a new specification for intermediate tyres stands out.
George Russell completed 80 laps over two days—valuable mileage allowing Pirelli to collect key data in the development of the compounds set to debut in 2026. For this test, the Mercedes team used a modified W15, adapted to accommodate the new tyres.
New 2026 tyres
The new tyres will differ from the current ones: while retaining 18-inch rims, they will be reduced in overall size to make them lighter and decrease aerodynamic drag. The total diameter will drop from the current 720 mm to between 705 and 710 mm. The width will also be reduced: the front tyre will shrink by 25 mm, and the rear by 30 mm.
Simulating the loads that 2026 tyres will have to withstand using current cars is complex for Pirelli, which is why specific aerodynamic solutions were used to compensate.
As has become standard in these tests, teams adopt significantly lower-downforce setups to better approximate the levels expected in 2026, given that current cars differ greatly from the next generation. The goal is to reduce aerodynamic load by about 20% to simulate the downforce levels of the future cars.
Mercedes’ programme included a comparative test between various specifications of full wet and intermediate tyres. Among the images that surfaced, a new intermediate with a redesigned tread pattern drew attention, the result of the need to improve water drainage in line with the new tyre dimensions.
Mario Isola’s comments
“First of all, I want to thank Mercedes and their drivers for their cooperation. Returning to the track right after a Grand Prix across the Atlantic is a major commitment, and we greatly appreciate it. It was a very useful test that allowed us to gather valuable information on our wet-weather tyres, which adds to the data we collected at Paul Ricard in January.”
“With the intermediates, the on-track development confirmed our expectations, while the results from the full wets are not yet conclusive and will need to be analysed further in the coming days to continue improving the product ahead of next season.”
The tests will continue: new test days are scheduled at the Barcelona circuit in less than a month, while Fiorano will host additional sessions in June. Pirelli is working to deliver the best possible product for 2026: on-track testing is essential, given that the deadline for homologating the new tyres is set for September.
Leave a Reply