Pirelli first showed new tires for "Formula 1"

On September 17, at the "Barcelona-Catalunya" circuit, the first tests of Pirelli tire prototypes for "Formula 1" began, which will be used in the championship starting from the 2026 season. The rim diameter of the 18-inch tires will remain the same, and the width and outer diameter will be slightly reduced for tires on both axles.

According to Pirelli, after the initial stages of design, simulation, and bench testing, the tires will undergo a series of track tests with the participation of teams. According to the first version of the updated technical regulations of the championship, which will still be refined, the aerodynamic characteristics of the cars will change significantly, which means that the tires will also be subjected to different loads, and this means that track tests are crucial for more accurate reproduction of the conditions that await the tires in 2026. For this reason, teams will use modified cars in the tests, and Aston Martin was the first to do so.

The tests in Spain are attended by Aston Martin's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, who covered 670 km on the first day.