Revolution in 2026 Formula 1 Only new cars and a separate engine do not include the formula. It also includes a completely new generation of tires – an element that plays an important role in modern F1.
Initially, the FIA wanted to switch at 16-inch to 2026 to lose weight, but the sole tire supplier Pireli opposed it for several reasons, including road relevance.
As a result, the F1 will stick to the 18 -inch tire, but the new wheels will be narrower as well as a slightly small diameter, which should still contribute to weight savings in 2026.
Male cars F1 2026 machinery are not fully representative of machinery
Next year’s tires will include a new construction and new compounds. Extensive tests are in full swing, with recent Aston Martin And Save In silverstone.
However, this is a complex process, as Pirelli can not test its new tires on 2026 -Sek cars and has to rely on “mule cars” – modified cars, which are adapted to simulate 2026 characteristics under the current set of rules.
Pirelli admitted that they are not really next year’s representative, and thus, developing new 2026 tires is somewhat a leap in unknown.
Gabriel Bortoleo, Saubar, Pirelli Test Silverstone
By photo: Pirelli
Pireli Motorsport chief Mario Isola said, “I am satisfied with the development so far, but of course, there are many questions.”
“First, it is related to the car. We are using mule cars. Teams are doing a good job in trying to give us a car that is as much as possible, but they are still current cars.
“This means that they are cars with a separate aero package as well as a different level of downforce. In fact, we guess that the downforce they are producing is more than we have the next year.
“This means that it is a bit difficult for us to have a slightly difficult for many compounds that are fully concentrated in the performance of the car.
“If the car is emphasizing less or less tire than the car, there is definitely a risk of going very aggressive or very conservative with tires, because you do not have a clear idea on what you will get in 2026.”
Nevertheless, Isola sees the reason for optimism based on previous experience: “In 2021, when we were developing 18 inch tires, and it was working quite well in 2022.
Mario Isola, Racing Manager, Pirelli Motorsport, Grid
Photo by photo: Steven T / Motorsport Images
“During the first year with new cars, we did not find any major changes required on tires.”
Isola said, “Obviously, fine-tuning is always necessary, so I am still expecting a tires in 2027 that is different from one in 2026,” Isola said, I hope to have a better understanding of new rules once for a year.
A calculated estimate for 2026?
Till then, Pirelli should some extent to estimate a calculation based on the sources of various parameters and information that can see it. The mule is one of the cars, but cannot be trusted as a full benchmark.
“We can’t rely on our tests just with mule cars,” said Isola. “We need to overcome all the information coming from the track with simulation from teams, what their simulator says about 2026, our virtual model and a thermochanical model of tires.
“So, it works a lot with our modeling department, R&D, testing department, material department and many other elements.
“We have also found the difference between mule cars, each team is preparing a mule car in a different way.”
Lando Noris, McLaren during Pirelli Test
By photo: Pirelli
To simulate the lower downforce levels of 2026, the teams normally run a low wing on a given track – but this is not the only adjustment for tests.
“No, it’s not just about the wings,” Isola said, “because they also have to change the height of the ride, because the new tires are less in diameter.
“Therefore, he made some amendments to the cars that are allowed by the FIA to give us the most representative mule cars.
“But as I said, we have still got differences in teams. It is useful for us to test a complete picture with all teams and also to get a good idea about the difference of all mule cars.
“But to return to our initial question: Overall, we are quite happy with progress, and we believe that we can have a well -balanced product in 2026.”
The testing of 2026 tires will continue in Hungaring on 5-6 August, followed by additional sessions in Monza, Mugelo and Mexico City.
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