Pirelli Releases Oscar Piastri Data from Crucial F1 2026 Test
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Oscar Piastri completes 120 laps testing Pirelli’s new 2026 F1 tires at Paul Ricard, providing valuable data for the upcoming season.
Oscar Piastri set a fastest lap time of 1:07 during Pirelli’s 2026 tire test at a cold and wet Paul Ricard circuit on Wednesday. Although significantly quicker than the F1 track record of 1:32.740 set by Sebastian Vettel in 2019, Piastri’s test was conducted on a much shorter 3.463km layout.
120 Laps for Oscar Piastri with a Best Time of 1:07
While F1’s standard track layout at Paul Ricard measures 5.8km, Piastri’s time equates to a lap of approximately two minutes over the full circuit length. His session was part of Pirelli’s ongoing development of the 2026 F1 tires, designed for a new generation of lighter, more nimble cars featuring a revised hybrid powertrain.
Formula 1's 2026 Overhaul: Lighter Cars, New Tires
The 2026 regulations will introduce smaller, lighter cars and power units with a 50/50 balance between internal combustion and electrical power. Additionally, Pirelli is refining narrower tires, reducing front and rear tire width by 25mm and 30mm, respectively. This change contributes to the FIA’s 30kg weight-reduction target.
Pirelli’s Development with F1 Teams
Aston Martin was the first to contribute to Pirelli’s 2026 tire development, running a modified AMR23 with Felipe Drugovich at Circuit de Catalunya last year. Since then, multiple teams have participated, with McLaren and Oscar Piastri the latest to provide crucial data at Paul Ricard.
Piastri’s Performance in Challenging Conditions
Despite icy morning conditions limiting early track action, Piastri completed 120 laps, covering 415.56km. His best time of 1:07.008 translates to an estimated 2:02 over the full-length track, albeit on wet-weather tires in an artificially soaked environment.
McLaren and Pirelli Continue Testing
McLaren and Pirelli will extend their testing at Paul Ricard on Thursday, with Lando Norris taking over. While rain is forecast, sprinklers and water trucks will ensure wet-weather testing proceeds as planned.
Ferrari Next in Line for 2026 Tire Testing
Ferrari will follow McLaren in assisting Pirelli’s tire development. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are scheduled to test a modified SF-24 mule car at Barcelona in early February, contributing further data for the 2026 season.
FIA Adjustments: 2026 Cars to Be Only 15% Slower
FIA’s single-seater chief Nikolas Tombazis confirmed adjustments to the regulations have improved car performance. Initially expected to be 40% slower, the revised aerodynamic package brings the deficit to just 15%, with lap times now closely aligned with the current generation of F1 cars.
“If we had made no changes, the cars would have been approximately two seconds slower,” said Tombazis. “The updated regulations have increased downforce by around 50 points, significantly improving performance.”
As F1 continues preparations for the 2026 season, Pirelli’s tire testing remains a crucial element in shaping the future of the sport.
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