Formula 1 News: Pirelli satisfied with its F1 tires for 2026

Mario Isola (pictured), Pirelli’s F1 Motorsport Director, gave his perspective on the 2026 Formula 1 preseason testing with totally new cars, new power units, and new, slightly narrower tires.

“The radical changes introduced to the cars have inevitably shifted the teams’ focus towards power units and aerodynamics rather than tires over the last few days. The final stages of testing are usually dedicated to optimizing the car-tire package, but it is clear some teams haven’t reached that point yet.

“Generally speaking, track feedback has been consistent with our simulation expectations. Drivers were able to gain confidence with the entire Pirelli range through both performance trials and long runs, even using the C4 and C5 compounds which aren’t particularly suited to a circuit like Sakhir.

“Mechanical resistance appeared strong across all options, with no signs of graining or blistering. Degradation levels are almost certainly higher now than what we expect for the Bahrain race, when temperatures will be lower and cars more developed.

“A central theme this season will certainly be balancing temperatures between the axles, especially ahead of the first race in Melbourne. The lower loads of a street circuit might require more intensive tire preparation or differentiated tire blanket temperatures, particularly in qualifying.

“In any case, it will be interesting to discover in Australia how much teams have been ‘sandbagging’ their engine power to avoid showing their hand. We only have to wait a couple of weeks to see the true pecking order.”