Leclerc Outpaces Hamilton in Barcelona Tyre Test as Pirelli Evaluates 2026 Compounds
Charles Leclerc delivered a commanding performance at the recent Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona, outpacing both his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The two-day session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was crucial for Pirelli’s ongoing development of the 2026 Formula 1 slick tyres, with Ferrari and McLaren participating using modified 2024-spec cars.
The primary goal of the test was to assess how the new tyres would perform under the expected aerodynamic conditions of the 2026 regulations. These upcoming rule changes will significantly reduce downforce—approximately 20% less than in 2025—while also introducing narrower tyres, with the front width decreasing by 25mm and the rear by 30mm.
Hamilton Starts Strong, But Norris Sets the Benchmark
Hamilton was the standout Ferrari driver on the opening day of testing, setting a lap time of 1:15.93, just 0.13 seconds ahead of Leclerc. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris was the quickest overall, clocking a 1:15.21 in the MCL60 mule car.
While Hamilton initially adapted well to the revised tyres and car balance, the first day’s results highlighted McLaren’s competitive edge. Norris demonstrated strong pace, securing the top spot in the timesheets and setting a benchmark for the rest of the test.
Leclerc Takes Control on Day Two as Hamilton Struggles
The second day saw a significant shift in performance, with Leclerc making a remarkable improvement. The Monegasque driver completed 74 laps and recorded the fastest time of the entire test—1:14.971—nearly a full second quicker than Piastri, who finished second with a personal best of 1:15.815 after completing an identical lap count.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s form took a noticeable dip. Despite an impressive mileage tally of 152 laps, he struggled to find speed, setting a best time of 1:16.759. This placed him 1.788 seconds behind his teammate and nearly 0.8 seconds slower than his own time from the previous day.
McLaren’s presence remained strong, though Piastri was unable to match Norris’s day-one pace. Norris, who did not participate in the second day, retained the fastest McLaren time of the test, as Piastri fell six-tenths short of his teammate’s benchmark.
Day Two Final Standings:
1. Charles Leclerc – 1:14.971 (74 laps)
2. Oscar Piastri – 1:15.815 (+0.844) (74 laps)
3. Lewis Hamilton – 1:16.759 (+1.788) (152 laps)
Key Takeaways from the Test
Leclerc’s dramatic improvement suggests he quickly adapted to the changing tyre characteristics, demonstrating a strong understanding of the evolving grip levels. His ability to extract performance from the new compounds was a crucial takeaway from the test.
Hamilton’s struggles, on the other hand, indicate some difficulty in optimizing the tyres over long runs. While his extensive mileage may have provided Ferrari with valuable data, his outright lap times fell short of expectations.
McLaren’s pace was also a notable factor. While Norris delivered the fastest overall lap of the test on Day One, Piastri was unable to match that performance, suggesting that conditions or setup changes may have influenced the results.
The Barcelona test provided valuable insights into how teams might need to adapt to the reduced downforce and revised tyre dimensions coming in 2026. With further tyre testing scheduled throughout the season, Pirelli will continue refining its compounds to ensure optimal performance under the next-generation regulations.
