Pirelli Releases New Data from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as…read more
Pirelli has successfully concluded a pivotal two-day tyre testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, enlisting the efforts of Ferrari and McLaren as part of their comprehensive preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This initiative is central to Pirelli’s strategy to fine-tune their slick tyre compounds in alignment with the forthcoming regulations. Notably, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged as the fastest driver during this session.
The testing roster featured prominent drivers: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari, and Oscar Piastri representing McLaren. This collaborative effort was instrumental in providing Pirelli with critical feedback on the new tyre specifications tailored for the 2026 regulations. Teams operated modified versions of their 2024 cars, adjusted to emulate the anticipated downforce levels of the 2026 models, which are projected to experience a reduction of approximately 20% compared to the 2025 cars.
A significant alteration for the 2026 tyres is their reduced dimensions: front tyres will decrease by 25 millimeters, while rear tyres will see a reduction of 30 millimeters. This test represented the inaugural opportunity for Ferrari and McLaren to assess and provide insights on these substantial changes.
Charles Leclerc showcased impressive performance throughout the test, completing 74 laps and recording a fastest lap time of 1:14.971. This achievement placed him nearly a second ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who also completed 74 laps with a best time of 1:15.815. Lewis Hamilton, piloting a second Ferrari, concluded his session with a time of 1:16.759 after an extensive 152 laps, trailing Piastri by almost a second.
Comparing these results to the previous day’s performance, Leclerc’s lap time marked a substantial improvement. On Tuesday, Hamilton had posted a faster time of 1:15.93, edging out Leclerc by 0.13 seconds. However, both Ferrari drivers remained over seven-tenths of a second behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, who set the overall best time on Tuesday with a 1:15.21 in a modified MCL60. By the end of Wednesday, Leclerc had shaved more than a second off his time, while Hamilton’s best effort was approximately 0.8 seconds slower than his Tuesday performance.
This testing session is part of Pirelli’s broader development program, which includes a series of track tests carried out in collaboration with various teams. The aim is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the conditions expected in 2026, given the significant changes in aerodynamic configurations and the resultant different loads exerted on the tyres. Teams participating in these tests utilize modified cars to simulate the anticipated 2026 conditions.
The data gathered from this test is invaluable for Pirelli as they continue to refine their tyre compounds and constructions to meet the demands of the evolving Formula 1 landscape. The collaboration between tyre manufacturers and teams is crucial in ensuring that the tyres not only complement the technical advancements of the cars but also enhance overall performance and safety on the track.
As Formula 1 progresses towards the 2026 season, such collaborative testing sessions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. The insights gained from these tests will inform decisions that impact car design, tyre development, and race strategies, ultimately contributing to the dynamic and competitive nature that defines Formula 1.
In conclusion, Pirelli’s recent tyre test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya marks a significant milestone in the preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The active participation of teams like Ferrari and McLaren, along with their drivers, underscores the collaborative effort required to navigate the forthcoming changes in regulations and technology. The data and feedback obtained from these sessions will be instrumental in ensuring that the transition to the new specifications is seamless, maintaining the high standards of performance and competition that are the hallmark of Formula 1.
