Short Description
Lewis Hamilton returned to the track, joining Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in crucial Pirelli tire tests at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with interesting insights on 2026 F1 regulations.
Read Time
3 minutes 45 seconds
Main Article
In a significant development for Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton recently participated in Pirelli’s tire testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The two-day test focused on multiple tire constructions and compounds, paving the way for the new regulations slated for 2026, which will result in smaller and lighter F1 cars. Notably, the upcoming changes include narrower tires, reducing the front tires by 25mm and the rear by 30mm. Pirelli’s ongoing testing is crucial for gathering data that will drive the development of these new tires.
Pirelli’s tire test also featured Lando Norris from McLaren, who delivered impressive results with a fastest lap time of 1m15.215s. This was Hamilton’s first time back on track since a previous crash that hindered testing efforts. During the initial testing day, the drivers collectively completed an astounding 332 laps, with Hamilton and Leclerc contributing 86 and 87 laps, respectively. Pirelli’s press release highlighted that the focus on slick tire development involved assessing different combinations of construction and compounds suited for the demanding Spanish circuit.
On the following day, Oscar Piastri stepped into the McLaren MCL60, amassing 152 laps, while Hamilton and Leclerc each covered 74 laps. Despite the variance in lap times, Pirelli noted that these results should not be interpreted as direct performance comparisons due to the different work programs each team employed. Pirelli’s motorsport director, Mario Isola, acknowledged the significance of these sessions in evaluating the new tire constructions, emphasizing the importance of the data collected as F1 teams prepare for the 2026 season.
The knowledge acquired from this extensive tire testing will be crucial as teams adapt to the upcoming technical changes. Pirelli will continue its commitment to providing teams with the performance and safety they need through further test sessions scheduled for February and March next year.
Short Summary
In summary, the recent Pirelli tire test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya proved essential for Formula 1’s preparation for 2026 regulations. With notable contributions from drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, valuable data was collected to shape the future of tire performance. The ongoing evolution of F1 will undoubtedly hinge on these advancements, ensuring competitive racing and enhanced safety on the track.
