Pirelli completes another tyre test with Mercedes and Red Bull
Formula One's sole tyre supplier Pirelli has completed another tyre test with Mercedes and Red Bull at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya that hosted last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.
Pirelli, Mercedes and Red Bull stayed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to carry out another tyre development test, developing the 2026 tyres.
On Tuesday, George Russell was on track for Mercedes, while Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson shared driving duties, piloting a Racing Bulls F1 car.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda completed the second day of running, working on development of the Pirelli 2026 tyres. The programme focused on comparisons of the various constructions and solutions for the hardest compounds in the range. A total of 300 laps was completed today: 150 for the Italian driver (best time 1'14''903) and 150 for the Japanese (1'16''839).
Speaking of purpose of the tyre test, Pirelli's Director of Motorsport, Martio Isola has revealed that the new tyres will be homologated by the 1st of September.
“Our ongoing test programme is coming to its decisive phase. In fact, by 1st September, the constructions will have to be homologated, while for the compounds we have until 1st December.
"Here in Barcelona, a track that provides a stern test for tyres, we evaluated the hardest compounds in the range and accumulated valuable data that we will verify at the Silverstone test in July following the British Grand Prix.
"I wish to thank the three teams and their respective drivers that worked with us during this test. We know it’s not straightforward to stay on at a track for a further two days following a triple-header which ended last Sunday.”
The next development test for 2026 will take place on 19 and 20 June at the Fiorano track where, over the two days, Ferrari will be testing wet weather prototype tyres.
