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Ferrari and McLaren Shine as Day One of Pirelli 2026 Tyre Tests Concludes in Barcelona

The opening day of the Pirelli 2026 tyre tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya proved to be an eventful one, with teams collecting crucial data to shape the future of Formula 1. Ferrari and McLaren took the spotlight as both teams and their drivers pushed their cars to the limit while testing Pirelli’s next-generation tyres, which will play a pivotal role in the 2026 season. With significant mileage covered, the teams gathered valuable insights into the performance of the new compounds in race-like conditions.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc led Ferrari’s efforts, with both drivers behind the wheel of a modified SF-24. Hamilton, participating in the test as part of an agreement to assist Ferrari with tyre development, completed 87 laps. His best lap time was 1:15.93, showcasing his experience and consistency. Ferrari was keen to work with Pirelli to understand the new tyres’ behavior, and Hamilton’s feedback was key in providing insights into their performance. Leclerc, who completed 86 laps, was close behind his teammate, posting a best time of 1:16.06. Despite having lost some track time in a previous test due to a crash, Leclerc seemed focused on extracting the best from both the car and the tyres. The pair’s near-identical lap counts underscored Ferrari’s dedication to making the most of the test to prepare for the upcoming season.

Ferrari left the first day feeling optimistic about their initial understanding of the new tyres. Both drivers were satisfied with the grip and feedback the 2026 Pirelli tyres provided, but Ferrari acknowledged there was still much more data to gather throughout the remaining test days.

McLaren, meanwhile, made a strong impression with Lando Norris at the wheel. Norris completed an incredible 159 laps, far surpassing the combined lap totals of both Ferrari drivers. The MCL60 was pushed hard throughout the day, with Norris setting the fastest lap of the session at 1:15.21. His performance was impressive not only due to the sheer number of laps but also because of the speed he managed to maintain over such a long stint. McLaren’s commitment to testing was evident, and Norris’ extensive running demonstrated the team’s eagerness to gather as much data as possible. His best lap time was quicker than both Hamilton and Leclerc’s, suggesting McLaren’s setup and approach to the tyre test were yielding promising results.

Reflecting on the day, Norris expressed satisfaction with the progress made, emphasizing that the data collected would be crucial for understanding the tyres’ behavior over longer stints. He acknowledged the importance of such tests in building a solid foundation for future development.

While the results from the first day of testing don’t directly indicate the competitive standings for the 2026 season, they provided essential feedback for both teams on how the new Pirelli tyres perform. Ferrari’s test was mainly focused on the performance of their modified SF-24, while McLaren’s priorities included gathering data on tyre endurance and long-run performance. The efforts of Hamilton, Leclerc, and Norris will aid Pirelli in refining the tyres before their official debut.

In conclusion, the first day of the Pirelli 2026 tyre tests has set the stage for an exciting period of development in Formula 1. With teams like Ferrari and McLaren putting in the work, the insights gathered in the coming days will be crucial in preparing for the 2026 season and beyond.