BREAKING: McLaren Tests Pirelli’s 2026 F1 Wet Tires in Challenging Cold and the result is…read more
BREAKING: McLaren Tests Pirelli’s 2026 F1 Wet Tires in Challenging Cold and the result is…read more
McLaren has taken part in Pirelli’s latest Formula 1 tire test, running the prototype wet-weather tires designed for the 2026 season. The test session, conducted in cold and tricky conditions, provided valuable data on how the next-generation wet tires perform in adverse weather.
The session was part of Pirelli’s ongoing development program as F1 looks to improve wet-weather performance and safety. With no tire warmers allowed under the sport’s future regulations, ensuring quick warm-up and optimal grip in damp conditions has become a key focus for Pirelli’s engineers.
Challenging Conditions for McLaren
The test, which took place at an undisclosed circuit, saw McLaren’s test drivers put the 2026-spec wet tires through their paces in low temperatures, simulating conditions that often make current wet-weather tires difficult to manage. The cold track surface made tire warm-up and grip evaluation crucial, as F1 continues to search for solutions to improve raceability in the rain.
McLaren’s feedback from the test will be essential in helping Pirelli refine the wet-weather compounds before their expected introduction in 2026. The test also marks another step in Formula 1’s transition towards more sustainable tire technology, with a focus on better performance in wet conditions without the need for pre-heating equipment.
With further wet-weather tests planned throughout 2025, Pirelli will continue gathering data to ensure that Formula 1’s future tires can handle the demands of modern racing, even in the toughest conditions.
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