2025 F1 Season Extended: All Teams Postpone Holidays for Post-Season Tests

The 2025 Formula 1 season will officially extend beyond the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as all teams are mandated to participate in a Pirelli tire test two days after the final race. This move, which was not widely publicized, means that F1 personnel will have their holidays delayed, focusing on critical development work for the upcoming seasons.

Why it matters:

• While often overlooked, post-season tests are crucial for refining new components and understanding tire behavior, directly impacting competitive performance for the following year.
• The decision to conduct a Pirelli tire test is particularly significant as it will finalize the tire compounds for the 2026 season, which will see a complete overhaul of technical regulations.
• This extended schedule underscores the relentless development cycle in Formula 1, where every extra day of data collection can provide a competitive edge.

The Details:

• The post-season activities will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 9, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
• Two simultaneous tests are scheduled:
  • Young Driver Test: This test is mandatory for all ten F1 teams, each nominating a rookie who has competed in no more than two Grands Prix. They will drive the current 2025 F1 cars.
    • Williams has already named their driver for this test.
  • Pirelli Tyre Test: All F1 teams will also participate in this final test for Pirelli. The 2026 tires must be homologated by December 15, making this test essential for finalizing the specifications.
    • Current Grand Prix drivers are expected to participate, utilizing 'mule cars'—modified vehicles equipped with the new-spec Pirelli tires.
    • This provides teams with a crucial opportunity to gather data on the tires they will use in the upcoming season.

What's next:

• The homologation of the 2026 tires shortly after the test will cement the final tire specifications for the next generation of F1 cars, with teams already deep into the development of their new chassis and power units.
• While specific driver lineups for the Pirelli test are yet to be announced, teams will strategize carefully, as some top drivers, like Max Verstappen in previous years, have occasionally opted out, allowing other team members or reserves to gain valuable experience.
• The insights gained from these tests will directly influence car designs and race strategies for the 2026 season, setting the foundation for the next era of Formula 1 racing.