Formula 1‘s upcoming technical overhaul for 2026 has seen its first significant test with the debut of the new narrower tyres on an Aston Martin mule car.
As part of the major regulatory changes set for implementation in two years, Pirelli is introducing slightly smaller tyres to reduce overall car weight. Although the tyres will retain the current 18-inch rim size used in the latest ground-effect era, both the front and rear tyres will see reductions in width.
Specifically, Pirelli will reduce the front tyre width by 25mm and shrink the rear tyre width by 30mm. Additionally, the overall diameter of the tyres will decrease from 720mm to a range of 705-710mm.
With the final technical regulations for 2026 still pending, including the definitive aero load specifications, Pirelli opted not to delay the testing of these new tyres. To address this, engineers have set up a mule car test program, utilizing modified 2023 cars to simulate the forthcoming changes.
Interest in participating in this early test was high among teams, but Aston Martin emerged as the first to trial the new tyres. Team principal Mike Krack confirmed that a lottery determined the selection process for the test, with Aston Martin drawing the first position.
“We were fortunate to be selected first through the lottery process,” Krack said. “We are excited to be at the forefront of this new development.”
McLaren and Alpine are also scheduled to participate in the initial batch of mule car tests, with other teams slated to join later in the development phase.
Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich had the honor of piloting the modified car at Barcelona this week, completing 670km of running over two days.
To accommodate these early tests, the FIA had to amend regulations to permit the use of mule cars for the 2026 specifications. Pirelli’s head of car racing, Mario Isola, acknowledged the challenge of balancing competitive fairness with the need for accurate testing.
“The FIA’s goal is to ensure no team gains an undue advantage,” Isola explained. “At the same time, we need to test tyres on cars that closely represent the 2026 conditions. We will collaborate with teams to determine a representative downforce level.”
This initial test marks the beginning of a series of evaluations designed to refine the tyre balance and performance. Pirelli will share test data and reports with all teams to ensure transparency and facilitate the development process as the 2026 regulations continue to take shape.
