ADVERTISEMENT
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Inside Carlos Sainz and Ryo Hirakawa’s F1 2026 Tyre Test: Pirelli’s New Specifications and the Future of Formula 1

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Inside Carlos Sainz and Ryo Hirakawa’s F1 2026 Tyre Test: Pirelli’s New Specifications and the Future of Formula 1

Formula One F1 - Pre-Season testing - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - February 27, 2025 Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

ADVERTISEMENT

The tracks of Bahrain witnessed a significant event as Carlos Sainz and Ryo Hirakawa undertook the testing of the Formula 1 2026 tyres. Sainz, manning a repurposed 2023 Williams, was out on the track on Sunday, performing a tyre evaluation for Pirelli. Alongside him was Ryo Hirakawa, the Alpine reserve driver, who had just returned from the inaugural round of the World Endurance Championship in Qatar.

The duo was engaged on the initial day of the test-run, as Pirelli, the tyre provider for Formula 1, stayed on in Sakhir to test their proposed F1 2026 tyres. The session may not have been indicative of the forthcoming season, but as Sainz previously remarked in Bahrain, a day and a half in a new car is “ridiculously little” preparation for a new race season. However, the extra day of testing offered him more time on the seat on behalf of Pirelli.

The 2023 Williams FW45, driven by Sainz and Hirakawa, was especially altered to suit the tyres’ new specifications under test. Pirelli is considering reducing the diameter of the 18-inch tyres to be used from 2026 and narrowing them by 25mm on the front tyres and 30mm at the rear. The aim is to achieve minimal loss in grip during this modification.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pirelli’s test run will extend into Monday with modified 2023 machinery. The testing will include Paul Aron, another Alpine reserve driver, and Alex Albon from Williams, who will get another day behind the wheel before the new season commences.

George Russell, who has previously participated in the 2026 tyre testing, expressed his concerns about the new construction. Speaking to media outlets including PlanetF1.com, he commented that the new, narrower tyres were more challenging compared to the current wider ones. He added that the performance of the new tyres was a step down, and he hoped for improvements in the coming months.

Toto Wolff, the team principal for Mercedes, emphasized the need for collaboration between the teams and Pirelli in this new venture. He stressed the importance of sharing the data collected and feedback from the drivers directly with Pirelli and integrating them into the regulations. He also added that the teams need to adapt to these new tyres as they will be standard for everyone. He concluded by saying that it was crucial for the sport, the teams, and Pirelli to ensure the best tyres were developed.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Producer Andy Wilman confronts Kimi Raikkonen on Top Gear: the moment he lost his cool
Motorsports

Producer Andy Wilman confronts Kimi Raikkonen on Top Gear: the moment he lost his cool

Kimi Raikkonen's Shocking Encounter with Top Gear's Andy Wilman: A Producer's Fiery Blow-Up! In a revelation that has sent shockwaves...

by Redação
December 19, 2025
Renault’s F1 legacy crumbles: how corporate greed shattered a racing titan’s glory
Motorsports

Renault’s F1 legacy crumbles: how corporate greed shattered a racing titan’s glory

Renault's Exit from Formula 1: The Tragic Fall of an Iconic Powerhouse In a shocking turn of events, Renault has...

by Harry Bright
December 19, 2025
Why £1 million is a pitiful investment in F1: the shocking truth behind motorsport’s elite race
Motorsports

Why £1 million is a pitiful investment in F1: the shocking truth behind motorsport’s elite race

EPA

by David Castro
December 19, 2025
Isack Hadjar faces emotional challenge ahead of Red Bull F1 debut: can he conquer his frustration?
Motorsports

Isack Hadjar faces emotional challenge ahead of Red Bull F1 debut: can he conquer his frustration?

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Harrison
December 19, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Producer Andy Wilman confronts Kimi Raikkonen on Top Gear: the moment he lost his cool

Producer Andy Wilman confronts Kimi Raikkonen on Top Gear: the moment he lost his cool

December 19, 2025
Renault’s F1 legacy crumbles: how corporate greed shattered a racing titan’s glory

Renault’s F1 legacy crumbles: how corporate greed shattered a racing titan’s glory

December 19, 2025
Why £1 million is a pitiful investment in F1: the shocking truth behind motorsport’s elite race

Why £1 million is a pitiful investment in F1: the shocking truth behind motorsport’s elite race

December 19, 2025
Isack Hadjar faces emotional challenge ahead of Red Bull F1 debut: can he conquer his frustration?

Isack Hadjar faces emotional challenge ahead of Red Bull F1 debut: can he conquer his frustration?

December 19, 2025

Newsletter

ADVERTISEMENT

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.