The Scuderia returns to its home track after Mugello TPC running, focusing on wet tyre development on an artificially soaked surface
Formula 1 is currently going through a forced break following the cancellation of two Grands Prix due to the geopolitical conflict involving Gulf countries in the war between the United States and Israel against Iran. However, track activity has not come to a halt. Pirelli is continuing its development programme for the 2027 tyres with two dedicated test sessions scheduled during the month.
Although the Suzuka test with Red Bull and Racing Bulls turned into a largely wet two-day session, the Milan-based manufacturer decided to confirm the additional test already planned together with the teams and the FIA.
Ferrari, as previously reported by Motorsport.com, will be on track at Fiorano with the SF-26 to carry out testing with the experimental wet tyres that Pirelli is developing for the upcoming season. The Scuderia’s programme is scheduled for Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 at its home circuit, which will be artificially watered using the dedicated irrigation system that characterizes the Fiorano facility.
Pirelli has requested the presence of Ferrari’s race drivers, and Charles Leclerc is already confirmed to take part, with Lewis Hamilton also expected to be involved. The focus will be on both intermediate and full wet tyres, while the so-called super-intermediate compound will not be used, despite the possibility that it could eventually become the sole wet-weather tyre option in the future.
The tyre supplier’s work will not be limited to the Fiorano wet session. On Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15, Mercedes and McLaren will take to the track at the Nürburgring, a circuit that has not hosted Formula 1 since 2020, when the Eifel Grand Prix was held during the pandemic.
Both teams are expected to field their official drivers. Mercedes will run Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while McLaren will rely on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who will focus on testing the slick tyres for next season.
It is particularly interesting to see Formula 1 return to one of the sport’s historic venues, chosen by Pirelli for specific characteristics that are considered valuable for the development of the 2027 tyre range.
While the 2026 racing calendar has faced disruption, the technical development for the future of Formula 1 therefore remains in high gear. Ferrari’s dedicated wet-weather testing at Fiorano aims to resolve long-standing visibility and spray issues, while the return of Mercedes and McLaren to the Nurburgring marks a significant step in refining 2027 slick performance. These mid-season sessions are crucial for Pirelli to gather real-world data, ensuring that the next generation of tires can handle the extreme aerodynamic loads of the current car regulations. Fans may not be seeing lights-out action this weekend, but the work being done in Maranello and Germany will define the grip levels of tomorrow.
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