Pirelli Plans Major Overhaul of F1 Wet Tyres in 2026
As Formula 1 gears up for its next generation of cars in 2026, Pirelli is set to address the long-standing woes surrounding its wet tyres, which have rarely seen action during races. Currently, the blue-sidewalled wet tyres are often sidelined for intermediates, leaving the Pirelli wet tyre a niche performer in the sport.
Enhancing Wet Tyre Performance
Pirelli aims to make significant changes to the extreme wet tyre, eyeing improvements that will better align its performance with that of the intermediate tyre. Pirelli’s motorsport manager, Mario Isola, acknowledged that visibility remains a challenge but emphasized the goal of creating a more usable wet tyre that can perform under racing conditions, not just behind safety cars.
Recent Testing and Developments
During a recent test at Ferrari‘s Fiorano circuit, Charles Leclerc and Zhou Guanyu piloted a ‘mule car’ to simulate the loads expected from the new F1 cars. This testing aims to validate the upcoming wet and intermediate compounds, despite the inherent inaccuracies of using mule vehicles and the uncooperative Emilia-Romagna weather.
Current Limitations and Future Goals
Historically, the current Pirelli wet tyre performs optimally only in extreme conditions, triggering red flags and limiting their race-day utility. Over the past season, the wet tyre has only been deployed briefly, as drivers opted to stay on intermediates rather than pit for wets. The crossover point—the efficiency threshold distinguishing when to switch from intermediates to wets—currently sits at 118%, while Pirelli seeks to lower this to 116% or even 115%.
A Step Towards Improved Racing Conditions
Isola’s comments reflect the tiremaker’s commitment to refining the wet tyre’s capabilities. “The intermediate tyre was already more or less defined for 2026. We have to validate some new solutions for the extreme wet,” he stated, highlighting the importance of enhancing not just tyre performance but also the overall racing experience.
As Pirelli prepares for the challenges ahead, the aim remains clear: to transform the underperforming wet tyre into a dependable option that allows for thrilling, competitive racing, even in adverse conditions.