Pirelli Focuses on Improving Wet Tyres Ahead of 2026 Regulations
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Pirelli has identified critical improvements necessary for their wet weather tyres, aiming to enhance their performance for the next-generation cars debuting in 2026. Currently, Pirelli’s extreme wet tyres can displace 85 litres of water per second but often fail to operate effectively at racing speeds in actual wet conditions, thus limiting their use during races.
Recent Grand Prix events, particularly the notorious Belgian GP in 2021 and the Brazilian GP in 2022, highlight the limitations of the wet tyre, as drivers frequently opted for intermediates over risking track position with a pit stop for full wets. "The extreme wet tyre overheats and degrades rapidly in less severe conditions, making it almost unusable," stated Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport manager.
To address these issues, a new specification of wet tyre with revised compounds and tread patterns is being tested. These alterations aim for better thermal stability and enhanced performance in dynamic weather conditions. A key focus is defining the "crossover point" where the transition from slicks to intermediates or wets is most effective. “Currently, this crossover occurs at 118% of dry lap times. Our target is to reduce this to around 116% or 115%,” Isola explained.
Recent validations conducted at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit involved drivers Charles Leclerc and Zhou Guanyu operating a "mule car" to simulate the increased loads expected in the 2026 cars. However, testing conditions were less than ideal due to summer weather in Emilia-Romagna. The complexity of accurately assessing the crossover point between tyre types presents a challenge as F1 races often hinge on rapidly changing conditions.
Pirelli’s adjustments are also influenced by visibility issues related to wet racing—an area that remains unresolved despite advances in tyre technology. As wet conditions consistently lead to race stoppages or slow laps, Pirelli’s goal is to create a wet tyre that can demonstrate competitive performance throughout a race, not just during safety car periods.
In conclusion, Pirelli is actively working towards making the wet tyre more viable for competitive racing, with ongoing developments emphasizing the necessity of versatile performance under variable weather conditions. The motorsports community eagerly anticipates how these innovations will play out in the upcoming 2026 season.
