Mercedes and Red Bull Racing complete Pirelli tests

      Mercedes and Red Bull Racing completed two days of prototype Pirelli 2026 tires in Barcelona today. The teams provided Italian tire manufacturers with specially modified cars from previous years and drivers – Andrea Kimi Antonelli took the wheel at Mercedes today, and Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull.

      As on the previous day, Pirelli focused on evaluating and comparing different versions of slicks of rigid compounds. In total, the drivers completed 300 laps – 150 for Antonelli (best time of 1:14.903) and 150 for Tsunoda (1:16.839).

      Mario Isola, Pirelli: "The test program is entering a crucial phase. The tire design should be homologated by September 1, and we have until December 1 to refine the compositions. Here in Barcelona, on a track with a heavy tire load, we evaluated the toughest compounds, gathering valuable information for the next similar tests to be held at Silverstone in July after the British Grand Prix.

      I want to thank the three teams [Racing Bulls worked yesterday instead of Red Bull] and their drivers. We know it wasn't easy for them to stay in Barcelona for a few more days after the three-race series ended on Sunday."

      The next tests will take place on June 19 and 20 in Fiorano with the participation of the Ferrari team, where Pirelli will work with prototypes of wet weather tires.