Pirelli’s Next-Generation Wet Tyres Aim for Improved Performance
Overview:
Pirelli’s wet tyres, crucial for dynamic race conditions, currently displace up to 85 litres of water per second at racing speeds, but they struggle to perform effectively outside of extreme conditions. Notably, their usage has been limited, with only one appearance this season during a sprint event in Miami.
Recent Developments:
Pirelli is actively working to enhance the performance of their wet tyre for the upcoming 2026 season. Motorsport Manager Mario Isola highlighted the need to bring the wet tyre’s capabilities closer to that of the intermediate tyre. "We need to make the extreme wet tyre more usable. Not just behind the Safety Car, but as a proper race tyre," he stated.
Technical Insights:
The previous-generation wet tyres became viable only at lap times slower than 120% of dry pace. In contrast, the new specification introduced this season aims to reduce that crossover to around 116-115%. The current crossover stands at 118%, indicating a need for further refinement. Isola remarked, "Now it [the crossover] is 118%… we would like to go down to 116% or 115%, something like that."
Testing Phase:
Recent validation tests conducted at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, using a ‘mule car’ to simulate next-gen car loads, faced challenges thanks to summer weather variations. While both the intermediate and wet tyres were assessed, the exactitude of the results remains uncertain due to the test conditions.
Conclusion:
As the 2026 season approaches, Pirelli’s focus remains on refining their wet tyre technology to ensure greater usability in diverse racing conditions, enhancing the strategic complexity of Formula 1 races.
