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The new range of Pirelli tyres
for the 2026 Formula 1 season was revealed this morning at the Yas Marina
circuit in Abu Dhabi, where the Italian firm is currently hosting a group
test with all the teams.
The design of the tyre graphics on the
sidewalls is completely new. The emblematic markings that have been part of
Pirelli’s identity for the past 14 seasons since it returned as exclusive
Formula 1 tyre supplier in 2011 have now been reworked to incorporate a
chequered flag logo.
This gives the new Formula 1 tyres a completely
different look compared to any other motorsport or roadgoing product made by
Pirelli, while maintaining all the historic design language that is
synonymous with the Milan-based company.
The colours that identify
the level of each compound during every grand prix are unchanged for next
year. White, yellow, and red denote Hard, Medium, and Soft respectively,
while green and blue are still the colours for the Intermediate and Full
wet.
he 2026 P Zero range is made up of five compounds from C1 (the
hardest) to C5 (the softest). Performance is similar to current levels, but
with a wider and more consistent gap between each compound to encourage
different race strategies. The intermediate and full wet tread patterns are
the same as in 2025.
The tyre dimensions are now smaller to suit the
new cars created for the latest regulations. The wheel rim diameter is still
18 inches, but the tread width is 25mm less at the front and 30mm less at
the rear. The total diameter is also 15mm less at the front and 10mm less at
the rear.
The 2026 tyres are being run today on track using mule cars
driven by one or more of the official drivers from each team. The range of
compounds will be formally homologated on December 15, as per the technical
regulations.
The first session in which they will be seen on the new
cars will be at the Barcelona test from January 26–30 next year, but these
latest tyres will also be seen at the team launches, which are set to be
announced in the coming weeks. |
