All the brand new compounds will likely be seen in motion in the course of 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 yr.
For Melbourne, from 6-8 March, the nominations are C3, C4, and C5. In 2024 this mix favoured a two-stop race technique utilizing all three compounds. This yr, variable climate meant that intermediates had been utilized in a race that may very well 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 yr, the groups needed to familiarize yourself with asphalt that had been utterly 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 aspect of the automobile subjected to probably the most tyre put on. Subsequent yr, Shanghai will host the opening dash weekend as soon as extra.
Suzuka, from 27-29 March, is among the most difficult tracks of the yr and so requires the toughest choice: C1, C2, and C3. This yr, the low observe temperatures and better resistance to graining allowed drivers to increase their exhausting and medium stints, with only one pit cease. The state of affairs 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 automobiles, with every workforce selecting three days of working 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 organize with their utterly new automobiles constructed to the newest technical rules.
Using all 5 slick compounds in the course of 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.
