All the brand new compounds will likely be seen in motion through the first three races of 2026, with Pirelli’s affirmation of the compounds for Australia, China, and Japan.
The compounds nominated for these races vary from the toughest to the softest, as was the case this 12 months.
For Melbourne, from 6-8 March, the nominations are C3, C4, and C5. In 2024 this mixture favoured a two-stop race technique utilizing all three compounds. This 12 months, variable climate meant that intermediates have been utilized in a race that might be divided into three distinct phases: with solely the center half allowing slick tyres.
For Shanghai, from 13-16 March, the center vary of compounds have been nominated: C2, C3, and C4. This 12 months, the groups needed to become familiar with asphalt that had been fully re-laid alongside the 5.451-kilometre observe. The lateral and longitudinal tyre calls for are about common for the season, with the left-hand facet of the automotive subjected to essentially the most tyre put on. Subsequent 12 months, Shanghai will host the opening dash weekend as soon as extra.
Suzuka, from 27-29 March, is among the most difficult tracks of the 12 months and so requires the toughest choice: C1, C2, and C3. This 12 months, the low observe temperatures and higher resistance to graining allowed drivers to increase their laborious and medium stints, with only one pit cease. The scenario was totally different again in 2024, when thermal degradation prompted at the very least two stops.
The drivers will arrive in Melbourne after three check periods. The primary check, behind closed doorways, will happen from January 26-30 in Barcelona, the place for the primary time the brand new tyres will run on the 2026 vehicles, with every workforce selecting three days of operating from the 5 days obtainable.
The opposite two assessments will happen in Bahrain from February 11-13 after which 18-20. This prolonged build-up to the season will enable the groups to arrange with their fully new vehicles constructed to the most recent technical rules.
The usage of all 5 slick compounds through the opening races will enable Pirelli to profoundly consider the efficiency variations between all of the tyres within the warmth of competitors, in addition to their resistance to graining and overheating – serving to to tell the nominations for the European races.
