McLaren and Red Bull have completed the opening day of a two-day Pirelli 2027 Formula 1 tyre test at Mugello, with Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson evaluating prototype compounds as the Italian manufacturer moves closer to finalising next season’s range. Lawson completed 116 laps in the RB22 while focusing primarily on C3 options, while Piastri tested all three compounds brought to Tuscany – the C1, C2 and C3.
With the 2027 tyre constructions finalised only a few weeks ago, Pirelli is now continuing the process of assessing and selecting the compounds that will form next season’s Formula 1 range. The first day at Mugello featured Red Bull and McLaren, with Audi set to join them for the second day of running.
Pirelli 2027 F1 tyre test puts Liam Lawson on C3 programme
Liam Lawson was behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB22 at Mugello. The choice is particularly relevant because the New Zealander could also replace Isack Hadjar at the Italian Grand Prix if the French driver has not recovered sufficiently from his recent wrist injury. Lawson already replaced the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson concentrated on the C3 compound during the opening part of the programme, completing a series of eight-lap screening runs with different solutions. During the afternoon, he switched to longer stints designed to validate the options that had produced the most encouraging initial impressions.
The Red Bull driver was also the busiest man on track, completing 116 laps for a total of 608 kilometres.
Oscar Piastri tests all three Pirelli compounds for McLaren
McLaren entrusted the MCL40 to Oscar Piastri, with the Australian evaluating all three compounds available at Mugello: the C1, C2 and C3. The test follows another period of active development for the Woking team, which recently introduced new MCL40 rear-end developments at Zandvoort.
Piastri initially focused on shorter stints before concluding his programme with two runs of 14 laps each. He also set the fastest time of the day, recording a 1:21.358, while Liam Lawson’s best effort was nine tenths slower at 1:22.297.
In terms of mileage, Piastri completed 93 laps and 488 kilometres. Conditions at Mugello were relatively hot, with the track temperature reaching 55°C during the day’s running.
McLaren and Red Bull continue testing as Audi joins at Mugello
The Pirelli 2027 tyre test will continue at Mugello on the second day, with both Red Bull and McLaren remaining on track but changing drivers.
For the Woking team, reigning Formula 1 world champion and winner of the last two Grands Prix Lando Norris will take over from Oscar Piastri. Red Bull, meanwhile, will put Ayumu Iwasa in the RB22 instead of Liam Lawson.
Audi will also join the programme, adding a third team to the test. Nico Hülkenberg will drive the R26 after returning the German manufacturer to the points at Zandvoort with a strong eighth-place finish.
The Mugello running forms another important stage in Pirelli’s preparations for 2027. With the tyre constructions already defined, attention has now shifted towards choosing and refining the compounds that will be used during next season, making the mileage accumulated by McLaren, Red Bull and Audi valuable as the final specification takes shape.
Leave a Reply