Charles Leclerc and Zhou Guanyu will take to the track at Fiorano for tests with Ferrari, with their sights already set on 2026.
While the Formula 1 circus takes a short break between the Canadian Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix, work behind the scenes continues. The week between the Montreal and Spielberg weekends will be an opportunity to get on track with a look to the future. In the coming days, Charles Leclerc and Zhou Guanyu will get behind the wheel of a Ferrari at Fiorano for tests aimed at ongoing preparations for 2026.
Next year is expected to bring major technical changes. The cars we’ll see on track will be very different from those currently in use, and teams hope they’ve chosen the right development path. Getting a head start on rivals could prove advantageous both in the short and long term, especially for those who have struggled to climb back up the grid in recent seasons.
Pirelli reveals the upcoming testing work
Pirelli itself confirmed the news, outlining the program for the coming days. “Our work will continue next week with important testing related to the development of wet-weather tyres for 2026. We’ll be working with Ferrari, who will allow us to use their Fiorano track. Zhou Guanyu will be driving on June 19, while the following day the wheel will be handed over to Charles Leclerc,” said Mario Isola at the end of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Wet-weather tyres have often been a point of discussion in recent years, which is why Pirelli is working to find the best long-term solution. The aim is always to improve visibility for drivers who are following others, while keeping safety and drivability in focus. To do this, the Italian company needs to collect as much feedback and data as possible in order to identify the best possible solution.
