2026 tyres make their debut in Barcellona

A particularly important test took place today at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The first prototypes of the tyres that will be used as from the 2026 season underwent their first track session. As confirmed by the FIA, the 18” rim diameter stays the same as on the current generation of cars, while the width and external diameter of the tyres will be slightly smaller on both the front and rear axles.

After the first stages of design, simulation and test bed work, in parallel, the development programme will involve a series of track tests carried out with the vital collaboration of the teams. As per the first version of the technical regulations, the details of which remain to be finalised, the aerodynamic configuration of the cars will be very different and therefore the loads exerted on the tyres will also change. Track testing is therefore important to reproduce as closely as possible the conditions which will be found in 2026.  Therefore, the teams taking part in the tests will use a modified car and the first of these is Aston Martin who provided an adapted 2023 car.

The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich was on track today. The Brazilian, a member of the Silverstone-based squad’s Academy completed 670 kilometres and will be back on track again tomorrow.