Formula 1 2026: Pirelli's tire strategy in detail
All teams use the same Pirellis: This is what the tire plan for 2026 looks like.
In 2026, Pirelli will turn the screw on Formula 1 logistics and supply exclusive standard tires for all teams, while the specific rubber compounds will be selected strictly according to the requirements of each individual Grand Prix. The Italian company is thus centralizing the equipment: each team receives identical material, which eliminates technical differentiation through tire development. The available mixtures depend on the Grand Prix, which requires a dynamic adaptation to the global tour.
This overview shows which tires are used where and reveals a strategy that is purely based on the route characteristics. High-stress tracks with aggressive asphalt and high cornering speeds inevitably require the more resilient compounds to ensure structural integrity beyond the end of the race. In contrast, on temporary courses or routes with low mechanical stress, the softer specifications dominate, providing the necessary grip levels.
