Pirelli has finalized the tyre compounds for 2026.

      Pirelli has selected the tyre compounds for the 2026 season, which will be homologated on 15 December as required by the regulations. The tyre construction was homologated on 1 September after a thorough assessment of axle balance taking into account the active aerodynamics that will be introduced next year. Tyre development was based on data provided by the teams, using simulations related to the loads and speeds forecast for the end of the 2026 season, while pursuing the same objectives as this year. Tyre prototypes were checked during track tests on cars modified to reproduce the characteristics of next-generation machinery. This complicated the tests, as it was not possible to test the tyres on real 2026 cars designed for the slightly narrower 18‑inch tyres than the current ones. The dry tyre range will consist of five compounds, from the hardest C1 to the softest C5, with the same positioning as currently and a thermal-wear approach aimed at providing a diverse choice among the many different characteristics found on the circuits in the World Championship calendar. Particular attention was paid to differences in compound performance in terms of lap time, to ensure a wide and consistent gap between them and to provide more strategic options. The decision not to homologate the sixth and softest compound, C6, which is part of this season’s range, was made precisely because it was impossible to meet that gap requirement. Recent tests showed that the lap-time difference between the C5 and C6 prototypes was too small compared with the others, while offering no significant performance advantage. Before final homologation the new tyres will be used in one-day group tests on 9 December in Abu Dhabi. Teams will receive slick sets from C2 to C5, as well as intermediate tyres for rain. The C1 compound and heavy-wet tyres will not be present at the tests. Tests will be carried out by current drivers in test cars, and on the same day young drivers will take to the track in 2025 cars fitted with the current tyres.