Pirelli already under pressure with 2026 tires? "It's worse with the new ones"

As the 2025 season prepares to start after the winter tests that took place in Bahrain a few days ago, many players are already thinking about 2026. A year of capital importance since the single-seaters will change radically.

Aerodynamics, engines... Everything will be reviewed in these new regulations. Including the tires that Pirelli has been developing for a few months. These are the ones that are making a lot of noise behind the scenes at the moment. Indeed, the first feedback does not seem to reassure everyone, starting with the drivers, some of whom have already expressed their fears about these tires that will change a lot.

« Some riders have already been riding the new 2026 tires, which will be narrower in an attempt to reduce drag., underlines George Russell who had the opportunity to try them during a test in Jerez on February 13. It was already a challenge with the wider tires we have nowadays. It was worse with the [new] tires, naturally, because they are much narrower. I hope they will be improved in the coming months. »

As a reminder, the width of the new range has been reduced by 25 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear after the diameter was kept at 18 inches, Pirelli considering that it was the most suitable. To carry out the development, mules are used during these sessions. These have been adapted to simulate lower downforce levels, such as those planned for 2026.

Visibly worried, George Russell could have the opportunity to try them again during the next test scheduled for May 7 and 8 at Silverstone where Mercedes will be in action, this time with the intermediaries and the rain. Maybe he will be more reassured.

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