Formula 1. 2026 single-seater, here’s how Pirelli is working on the tires – Formula 1

The director of Pirelli Motorsport, Mario Isola, explains how Pirelli is working on tires for single-seaters for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the result of a new technical regulation

June 8, 2024

Ffinally we know what they will be like the Formula 1 single-seaters for the 2026 season. The FIA ​​has revealed the details of the new technical regulations, which include not only a completely revised power unit, but also the introduction of new concepts such as active aerodynamics. But Pirelli, tire supplier to F1, how is it moving with the 2026 tyres? “We have already started working, once the measures have been defined with the FIA”, explained the director of Pirelli Motorsport, Mario Islandat a press meeting which he also attended Automoto.it in Imola, before the regulatory changes were made official.

THEsola has revealed the reasoning on tire sizes for the 2026 single-seaters. “Rwe believed that 16″ tires were not the right solution to adopt. We have proposed some Slightly narrower 18″ tyres, which lighten the wheel system while ensuring performance in line with expectations”. Once the characteristics of the tire were established, the first stages of development began at Pirelli.

“At that point we have already started working both on the model and on the construction of a physical prototype, clearly ordering the molds first of all and preparing the necessary materials. The idea would be to go on track after the summer. So for August we need to perfect all the indoor tests we do before going to the track. That means build the first prototypes, test them, characterize them, send the data to the teams and then go on track starting in September.”

MWhat is the most complex aspect of developing a new product for Formula 1? “Each time it is a different challenge, to adapt to a new situation and develop quickly, with a speed that we can subsequently transfer to our entire world of research and development. Furthermore, the current 18″ tires are very similar to the solutions designed for road cars, and this allows us to borrow construction concepts, both on the road and GT fronts.”

For the 2026 tires, slightly narrower in terms of chord both front and rear, “we tried to achieve better aerodynamic penetration as well as weight savings”. But it will help.”a little fine work, to optimize the footprint and pressure distribution, with the help of the teams.” “For 2026, the aerodynamic package will be fundamental – observed Isola – because it is the aspect that causes the tire to be put on the ground in a certain way. These machines are so sensitive that they perceive a difference of even just a millimeter.”

With different tires, will the compounds change? “Changes to the compounds will also be needed, adjusting them to the new single-seaters, but the idea is to maintain the same approach with three compounds per weekend like today. There will not be a change in philosophy.” Many similar aspects, therefore, but also new challenges for Pirelli, awaiting a technical revolution that will see Formula 1 embrace active aerodynamics, with lighter and smaller single-seaters, reversing a trend that has been going on for decades.