Pirelli Finalizes 2026 F1 Tyre Compounds, Drops Softest C6

Pirelli has finalized its five dry tyre compounds for the 2026 F1 season, electing to discontinue the softest C6 compound introduced this year. This strategic shift aims to ensure a more distinct performance delta between compounds, offering wider strategic options for teams.

Why it matters:

Pirelli's decision to streamline its compound range directly addresses a key F1 challenge: ensuring meaningful strategic variation during races. In recent seasons, the similarity between certain compounds has often limited strategic choices, sometimes leading Pirelli to skip compounds. The 2026 regulations, featuring narrower front and rear tyres, necessitate new constructions, and optimizing compound spacing is crucial for dynamic racing.

The Details:

• Compound Range: Pirelli will supply five dry compounds (C1 to C5) for 2026, similar to the current C1-C5 range, but with a refined performance gap between each. The hardest C1 to the softest C5 will be available.
• Abandoning C6: The extra-soft C6 compound, sporadically used in 2025 (mainly on low-impact street circuits), will not be homologated for 2026. This decision stems from tests showing an insufficient performance gap between the C5 and C6 prototypes, which failed to offer a significant strategic advantage.
• Strategic Intent: The primary goal is to ensure each compound offers a distinct difference in wear and lap time delta, providing teams with more varied and effective strategic choices throughout a race weekend.
• 2026 Regulations Impact: The new regulations for 2026 include narrower front (25mm) and rear (30mm) tyres, contributing to overall weight savings for the 18-inch tyres. This change requires Pirelli to develop entirely new tyre constructions.
• Development Process: Pirelli completed its tyre construction finalization by September 1st and conducted its last in-season test after the Mexico Grand Prix to gather data. The compounds need to be homologated by December 15th.

What's next:

Teams will get their first taste of the new tyre range (excluding the C1, which is too hard for the circuit) at the Abu Dhabi post-season test on December 9th. One car per team will be dedicated to tyre testing.

• Mule Cars: To simulate the lower downforce levels of the 2026 machinery, teams will shed wing levels on their 'mule cars.' This workaround is necessary because the drastic regulation changes have complicated Pirelli's development, forcing reliance on simulation data as teams rapidly advance aerodynamic development in virtual and wind tunnel testing.