Mario Isola, head of Pirelli Motorsport, has provided an update on the 2026 tyre range following the first pre-season test in Sakhir. Early signs point to reduced graining and overheating kept under control, although clearer answers are expected during the next round of testing when teams increase power levels and push harder on track.
It was clear even before the cars hit the track that the first 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir would be largely exploratory. And that is exactly how it unfolded.
Almost all teams focused on data collection, working on correlation between simulator and track while also trying to better understand how and where to deploy energy from the MGU-K and how to optimize the new active aerodynamics systems.
Amid all this technical work, one key topic largely flew under the radar: the tyres. Pirelli has developed slightly smaller tyres compared to last season, while still keeping them compatible with the 18-inch wheel rims. While teams concentrated primarily on their own packages, the Milan-based manufacturer was able to confirm several findings already observed during the Barcelona shakedown held at the end of January.
One of the most encouraging aspects regarding the C1, C2 and C3 compounds used in Sakhir is the confirmation of previously gathered data. The characteristics of the compounds appear to match initial expectations after a full year of development testing using mule cars.
“The first three days of testing in Bahrain were useful to confirm, after the shakedown week in Barcelona, that the results gathered during last year’s development tests with mule cars are sufficiently representative,” said Mario Isola.
The new compounds seem to reduce the onset of graining and, at least for now, overheating has not emerged as a dominant factor. However, it will be necessary to wait for the upcoming test sessions, when teams will increase power levels and raise the overall pace, providing Pirelli with a much clearer picture of how the 2026 range performs under more demanding conditions.
“The characteristics of the compounds appear to be in line with expectations, and the feedback received from the drivers has also been positive. The new compounds have maintained good mechanical resistance, reducing the appearance of graining, as we have verified over these days, and they seem to keep overheating under control.”
“There is no doubt that the drivers are still adapting to the new power delivery systems. The evidence of some flat spots on the tyres suggests that drivers may have changed their approach to corner entry. On corner exit, however, the electric deployment tends to make the rear axle slide, increasing surface temperatures and causing a slight loss of grip.”
“Next week we expect the teams to focus more on performance runs, although they will probably not reveal their full potential. Together with the race simulations carried out in recent days, we will have a more complete picture of what to expect at the start of the season. We will then be able to fine-tune the compound selection for the races starting from Miami, the first event for which the tyres have not yet been shipped.”
The initial feedback from Pirelli regarding the 2026 tires offers a rare moment of stability in a pre-season otherwise defined by radical change. While Mario Isola is encouraged by the lack of graining and the accuracy of the mule car data, the “sliding” caused by the MGU-K’s aggressive electrical delivery remains a significant hurdle for drivers to clear. As the grid prepares for the final Bahrain test, the ability of teams to manage these surface temperature spikes without sacrificing traction will likely be the hidden key to unlocking the full performance of the 2026 power units.
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