Pirelli reveals 2026 F1 tyres at Yas Marina, showcasing a redesigned sidewall look, updated compounds and new dimensions tailored to next year’s regulations. During a group test in Abu Dhabi, teams got their first track mileage with the full 2026 tyre range as Pirelli prepares for formal homologation later this month.
A brand new visual identity for F1’s next era
The most striking change is the fresh sidewall design. After fourteen seasons with the classic Pirelli lettering, the company has introduced a reworked graphic that now incorporates a subtle chequered flag. The result is a cleaner, more modern look that stands apart from any other tyre in Pirelli’s motorsport portfolio while still retaining the visual cues fans associate with the brand.
Compound colour coding remains the same. White for Hard, yellow for Medium, red for Soft, with green and blue continuing to identify Intermediates and full Wets. Despite the visual overhaul, the trackside cues stay instantly recognisable.
Five compounds, more strategic variation
The 2026 P Zero line up follows the familiar C1 to C5 naming structure, from the hardest to the softest. Pirelli says performance targets are similar to current levels, but with deliberately wider and more stable gaps between each compound. The aim is simple. Encourage more strategic diversity during grands prix.
Intermediates and wets keep the 2025 tread patterns. With the new regulation cycle aiming to reduce downforce and shift energy profiles, Pirelli’s focus has been on ensuring consistent working ranges across changing aerodynamic loads.
New tyres for new cars
To match the redesigned 2026 cars, tyre dimensions have been slimmed down. The wheel rim remains 18 inches, but the tread width drops by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear. Total diameter is also reduced 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.
The goal is to support more agile and energy efficient cars while improving mechanical grip in lower downforce conditions. Mule cars from each team are running the prototypes at Yas Marina with a mixture of race and reserve drivers completing the workload.
What happens next
The full 2026 tyre range will be officially homologated on 15 December. Fans will see the new sidewall design at team launches early next year, but the first proper track debut with the 2026 machinery arrives at the Barcelona pre season test from 26 to 30 January.
For Pirelli, this is the start of the next chapter. For the teams, it is another variable to master before a major rules reset that will redefine how drivers extract performance.
