Pirelli Drops Softest C6 Tyre Compound for 2026 F1 Season

Pirelli has announced it will not homologate the C6, its softest tyre compound, for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This decision, following extensive post-Mexico testing, aims to ensure a wider and more consistent performance gap between the remaining five compounds (C1 to C5), providing more strategic options for teams.

Why it matters:

Pirelli's focus on maximizing the performance delta between tyre compounds is a direct response to past seasons where some compounds showed too little difference in lap times. This change for 2026 is critical for enhancing race strategy, promoting more varied pit stop windows, and potentially making races more unpredictable and exciting for fans. It also signals Pirelli's commitment to adapting to F1's radical new technical regulations.

The Details:

• Pirelli finalized its tyre constructions earlier this year and, after post-Mexico testing, has selected five compounds (C1 to C5) for homologation on December 15.
• The extra-soft C6 compound, introduced in 2025, will not be part of the 2026 range.
• Reason for C6 Removal: Recent development tests showed an insufficient lap-time difference between the C5 and C6 prototypes, failing to meet Pirelli's target delta requirements. The C6 offered no significant performance advantage over the C5.
• Strategic Focus: Pirelli emphasized that "particular attention has been paid to performance differences between the compounds in terms of lap time, so as to ensure a wide and consistent delta between them, to deliver more strategy options."
• Upcoming Evaluation: The new tyre range will undergo a group test on December 9 in Abu Dhabi. Teams will receive C2 to C5 compounds, plus intermediates for potential wet conditions. C1 and full wets will not be provided at this test.
• Testing Protocol: Current race drivers will test the new tyres in "mule cars," while rookie drivers will use 2025 machinery with current tyres during the end-of-season Young Drivers Test.

The Big Picture:

The 2026 F1 season will introduce significant changes to car design, including narrower 18-inch front and rear tyres and active aerodynamics. Pirelli has utilized forecast data from teams regarding expected loads and speeds to guide the development of these new tyres. This revised range is a fundamental component of the new regulatory era, with the Abu Dhabi test providing the first real-world opportunity for teams to evaluate these crucial changes.

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi test will be a vital first look for teams at how the new tyre range performs under race-like conditions, even with "mule cars." Resolving the performance delta issue could lead to more dynamic racing. The official homologation on December 15 will lock in these decisions, setting the stage for a new era where tyre strategy could play an even larger role in championship battles.