Ferrari and Pirelli tests: methodology, constraints and strategic value
Within the regulatory framework of Formula 1, Pirelli tyre tests represent one of the most specific and least visible activities to the general public, yet at the same time one of the most crucial for the technical evolution of the sport as a whole. Scuderia Ferrari, like all teams involved, operates in this context by effectively providing a service to the sole tyre supplier, Pirelli.
Explaining in detail how these sessions work is Matteo Togninalli, head of track engineering for the Maranello team, who clearly outlined the operational dynamics and objectives of this type of testing carried out in recent weeks.
“The Pirelli test is one of the testing formats included in the Formula 1 regulations. The team essentially provides a service to Pirelli. We have a certain number of days allocated during the year. All tests are dedicated to Pirelli, so Pirelli supplies the tyres, Pirelli provides the run plan they want to execute, and the objective is to develop tyres for the future, taking into account the evolution of the cars and the evolution of racing.”
Test structure: run plans and direct comparisons
Test days follow an extremely rigorous structure, designed to guarantee the highest possible quality of data collection. The goal is not outright car performance, but direct comparison between different tyre specifications.
“A typical test day is usually made up of several runs, so we have eight or ten tyre options, maybe dry or wet. Right now we are doing a wet test, so it is focused on wet tyres. Pirelli usually has a target, such as improving tyre durability or improving performance in certain wet conditions. Our objective is simply to execute what is requested of us.”
A key element is the regulatory constraint that prevents modifications to the car during these sessions, specifically to isolate tyre behaviour.
“Typically, we do not change the car, partly because the regulations do not allow us to alter the car setup, but also because to test properly it is enough to change the tyres. In this way we have clean data, we can make direct comparisons and provide all the information to Pirelli, which then carries out its own analysis,” the engineer explained through the team’s official channels.
Blind testing and information control
One of the most interesting aspects concerns so-called “blind tests”, an operational mode that strictly limits the technical information available to teams.
“Blind testing means that Pirelli does not provide us with any technical details about the tyres. Pirelli only gives us the information strictly necessary to make the car run. At the moment we are not allowed to know any technical detail. What we do know is the objective of the test—long run or single lap, wet or dry—and maybe which area they want to improve, because we can work with them focusing on that.”
This approach ensures neutrality and prevents teams from gaining direct competitive advantages through tyre development.
The central role of official drivers
While telemetry data is a fundamental component, the human contribution remains essential. Ferrari, in line with regulations, chooses to use only its official drivers to guarantee high-quality feedback.
“Feedback on tyres during tests is fundamental, just like in any aspect of Formula 1 related to car balance or behaviour. Tyres are the only element in contact with the asphalt and the only one that responds to driver inputs, which is why the regulations require us to use official drivers, meaning drivers with Formula 1 experience. Our choice at Ferrari is always to use official drivers, Lewis and Charles, because it is the best way to provide the highest quality service to Pirelli.”
“As I said, driver feedback, the driver’s feeling about the tyres, is fundamental—even more important than the data itself.”
Sharing results: a collective benefit
At the end of each test day, all collected material is handed over to Pirelli, which performs the analysis and then redistributes the conclusions to all teams in the championship.
“After the day, we provide all the data to Pirelli,” Matteo Togninalli explained. “There is a list of telemetry channels, driver comments, car setups that we must deliver to Pirelli. Pirelli carries out its analysis and then the result of the test is shared with all Formula 1 teams. So this is a service for Pirelli and for Formula 1. We provide the track, the car, the driver, our expertise, but the result is for everyone. It is for our business and for our sport.”
In this context, it becomes clear how Pirelli tests represent a delicate balance between collaboration and competition: teams provide resources and know-how, but the final outcome contributes to the overall growth of the category, ensuring tyres that are increasingly suited to the technical demands of modern Formula 1 cars.
The Pirelli tire tests at Ferrari highlight the delicate balance between collaboration and competition in modern F1. While Maranello provides the resources and elite driver feedback from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the ultimate goal is to improve the racing product for the entire grid. As the 2026 regulations continue to evolve, these “blind” sessions remain a silent but vital pillar of the sport’s technical progression.
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