Pirelli has officially concluded its second and final session of tyre development for the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungaroring circuit in Budapest. The rigorous testing, conducted under sweltering conditions with ambient temperatures oscillating between 21°C and 29°C and track temperatures peaking at 53°C, marked a significant milestone in the company’s developmental calendar. Collaborating closely with Alpine and Scuderia Ferrari, Pirelli adhered to a meticulously structured programme mirroring the procedures implemented on the initial day of testing, showcasing consistency in their evaluative framework.
The Italian tyre manufacturer has now locked in the structural configuration of its 2026 Formula 1 tyres. With construction parameters finalized, attention shifts to refining the compound formulations in preparation for next season. Pirelli has allocated three remaining testing opportunities to calibrate the chemical makeup of the tyres, which will ultimately determine performance characteristics such as grip longevity, heat management, and degradation behaviour across various circuits and climates.
Charles Leclerc, representing Scuderia Ferrari, demonstrated both endurance and pace throughout the testing phase, completing a staggering 144 laps and posting a fastest lap time of 1:19.407. His extensive mileage contributed valuable telemetry data, pivotal in guiding Pirelli’s engineers through the validation of tyre performance under authentic racing stress conditions. These test results will underpin the strategic decisions as the company moves into the compound development phase.
This latest testing event is part of a broader innovation trajectory pursued by Pirelli, aiming to deliver tyres that are not only more sustainable and robust but also aligned with Formula 1’s evolving technical regulations. With this test serving as a capstone for structural development, the forthcoming compound evaluations will prove decisive in tailoring tyre behaviours to complement anticipated changes in car design and aerodynamic profiles set for 2026.
While the full technical analysis is restricted to Tyrepress and Tyres & Accessories subscribers, the headline outcome signals a critical advancement in Pirelli’s mission to maintain its pivotal role in Formula 1. Subscribers benefit from in-depth coverage, including sector-wide insights, access to exclusive content, and comprehensive breakdowns of the latest developments shaping the global tyre industry landscape.
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