Pirelli Unveiled the 2026 Formula 1 Tyres

On Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, Pirelli officially unveiled its Formula 1 tyres for the 2026 season. Only after that did the teams begin testing them.

Pirelli has officially presented its tyres for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The first thing that stands out is the updated graphic design on the sidewalls. The markings have been redesigned and now include a chequered-flag logo. According to Pirelli, this gives the new Formula 1 tyres a completely distinct look compared to any other Pirelli tyres used in motorsport or road cars, while still preserving references to the brand’s historic design.

The colour codes used to indicate tyre compounds at each Grand Prix will remain unchanged next year. White, yellow, and red will continue to represent the Hard, Medium, and Soft compounds respectively, while green and blue will once again denote the Intermediate and Wet tyres.

The 2026 P Zero tyre range consists of five rubber compounds, from C1 (the hardest) to C5 (the softest). Their characteristics are similar to those used in 2025, but the gap between compounds has been made wider and more consistent. This will allow teams to adopt a greater variety of race strategies. The tread patterns of the Intermediate and Wet tyres remain the same as in 2025.

Next year’s tyres have been developed in smaller dimensions to match the new technical regulations of 2026 Formula 1 cars. The wheel diameter remains at 18 inches, but the tread width has been reduced by 25 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear. The overall diameter has also been decreased — by 15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear.

The official homologation of the 2026 tyres will take place on December 15, in accordance with current regulations. The first tests with the new-generation cars are scheduled for January 26–30, 2026, in Barcelona. However, fans are expected to see the tyres for the first time on the new cars during the teams’ official launches.