Pirelli Tyre Test at Mugello: Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari Complete Successful Session

Formula 1 teams Red Bull Racing, McLaren, and Ferrari have wrapped up the second day of Pirelli's tyre test at the Mugello Circuit in Italy. Following a rain-affected session the previous day, the teams were finally able to gather valuable data for the development of the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1 tyres.

Fastest Time Set by Charles Leclerc

The fastest lap of the session was set by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who recorded a best time of 1:21.053 over 79 laps. Lando Norris from McLaren was the closest contender, completing the most laps of any driver with 118 laps and a best time of 1:21.302. Carlos Sainz, also driving for Ferrari, managed 77 laps with a best time of 1:21.890, while Red Bull's Liam Lawson clocked 116 laps with a best time of 1:23.219.

Wet Track Conditions and Transition to Dry Tyres

The test began under challenging conditions as the track was still wet in the first hour, forcing all drivers to start with intermediate tyres. As planned, the teams transitioned to dry-weather tyres once the track improved, allowing them to maximize their running time and gather significant data for Pirelli.

Focus on 2025 and 2026 Tyre Development

Red Bull and Ferrari focused their efforts on testing the tyres for the 2025 Formula 1 season, while McLaren's Lando Norris was tasked with evaluating prototype tyres for the 2026 season. Norris's car was specially modified to accommodate the narrower 2026 tyres, which are part of a broader range of changes to be introduced with the new regulations in 2026.

Upcoming Testing Schedule

Pirelli's tyre development program will continue on October 25th during the second free practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix, where the 2025 tyres will undergo further testing. Development for the 2026 tyres is set to resume in mid-November, with Alpine taking part in a dedicated test session at the Magny-Cours Circuit in France on November 13th and 14th. This test will take place during a break in the F1 calendar, before the final triple-header begins in Las Vegas on November 23rd.

Successful Day for Data Collection

Despite the challenges posed by weather conditions on the first day, Pirelli successfully gathered a large amount of data, recording a total of 390 laps on the second day of testing. The data collected will be crucial for refining the tyre specifications for both the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1 seasons.

The teams' efforts to evaluate the new tyres have been a key part of Pirelli's strategy to stay ahead of the curve in Formula 1's rapidly evolving landscape. As the sport prepares for the significant regulation changes in 2026, these tests are essential to ensure that the new tyres meet the demands of the next generation of Formula 1 cars.