After the Spanish GP, Pirelli conducted two days of testing in Barcelona. Today, Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda hit the track and completed 300 laps, continuing the development of the 2026 hard tyres, both in terms of compound and construction, ahead of the homologation deadline in September. In mid-June, Ferrari will test wet tyres at Fiorano.
Following the Spanish Grand Prix, Formula 1 stayed in Barcelona for a 2026-focused testing session, giving Pirelli the chance to continue developing next year’s tyres in collaboration with teams, who provided mule cars.
After George Russell with Mercedes and Isack Hadjar with Racing Bulls took part yesterday, today saw Andrea Kimi Antonelli back behind the wheel of the experimental W15 and Yuki Tsunoda driving for Red Bull. The Japanese driver also took the opportunity to return to the track after a difficult weekend in Spain.
Today’s programme also focused on comparing different constructions and solutions for the hardest compounds in the range, as the Barcelona circuit—with its many fast corners and highly abrasive asphalt—is particularly suitable for this type of test. In total, 300 laps were completed: 150 by the Italian driver (best time 1’14″903) and 150 by the Japanese driver (1’16″839).
The programme now enters its crucial phase, as the tyre construction must be homologated by 1 September. Pirelli therefore has about two months of work left to finalise the product before submitting the final specifications to the FIA. Testing will then continue to finalise the compounds, for which there is time until 1 December, as has been the case in recent years.
“The test programme we’re carrying out is entering its decisive phase: we must homologate the constructions by 1 September, while we have until 1 December for the compounds,” commented Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director.
“Here in Barcelona, a track that is a very tough proving ground for tyres, we tested the hardest compounds in the range and gathered important feedback, which we’ll verify at Silverstone during the test scheduled for July after the British Grand Prix.”
“I’d like to thank the three teams that collaborated with us in this test and their respective drivers: we know it wasn’t easy to stay on track for two more days after a triple-header like the one that ended last Sunday,” Isola added, highlighting the teams’ support, especially ahead of the trip to Canada, which will be followed by another run of three consecutive races.
The next development test session for 2026 is scheduled for 19–20 June at the Fiorano circuit, where Scuderia Ferrari will spend two days trialling wet tyre prototypes.
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