Photo credit: Pirelli Motorsport
A new course of action for Formula 1 with new technical regulations and possibly a new constructor to be introduced in 2026.
Different cars that call for a different tyre design as well that is set to be smaller in size, as anticipated by Motorsport Director Mario Isola.
“In 2026 we have a completely new car, probably a new tyre size,” he told media as reported by Motorsport.com.
“It’s possible. It’s not defined yet, but the target is not a secret: that is to design lighter cars, more agile cars and tyres are a part of the weight of the car.”
“So it can be that we have to supply smaller tyres. If we have to supply smaller tyres as we did in the past, we will change again in 2026.”
Pirelli will be supplying tyres for F1 exclusively until at least 2027, as a contract extension was announced earlier this year.
“It’s part of our agreement with Formula 1 to follow the request of the stakeholders to design a tyre that is always in line with the target defined by all the stakeholders.”
And the target for this new generation of single-seaters is among all making cars narrower and lighter. A reduction of weight that should take off around 50kg from the current 798kg minimum weight permitted.
When it comes to tyres, however, the only way to make the compounds weight less is by reducing the size, as Isola explained.
“The elements in the construction, we are already using materials that are high technology materials that are very light.”
“If you put a lot of weight into the tyre, you generate more heat. Generating more heat means that the risk is to blister or create other situations that are not good for the performance and durability of the tyre.”
A first step towards more durable tyres was already made throughout the season, when Pirelli – in order to keep up with cars becoming quicker as upgrade packages were brought on track – introduced a tougher construction of tyre in time for the British Grand Prix last July.
“When we decided to produce the new construction in Silverstone, it is just a new material that is, with the same weight, more resistant,” he said.
“So our research and development on new materials – we have a dedicated department for reinforced materials and compounds – are always looking at improving the resistance of the material, keeping the weight as low as possible.”
A research process that Isola believes will turn out quite ” useful also for the technology transfer” to road cars.
