Le Castellet, France – The first 2025 tyre test sessions by Pirelli have taken place at the Paul Ricard HTTT. The two-day test marked the beginning of a series of track sessions. All aimed at developing the next generation of tyres, destined for use in the 2026 Formula 1 Season.
New Regulations, New Tyres
Under the new regulations, Pirelli can conduct as many as 40 days of testing with the teams. These test sessions are done in what is known as “mule cars“. This term is used specially for modified older cars that can meet the necessary requirements for tyre testing. Each team will have several test weekends. Particular focus under the changed regulations has fallen on the new wet tyres and intermediates that – while continuing to boast an 18-inch rim – shall be reduced both in width and in terms of their outer diameter at both front and rear axles.
The first test on French soil was conducted by the McLaren F1 Team. They ran a modified MCL60 from the 2023 season on the 3.463 km long configuration of the Paul Ricard Circuit. This was because of the sprinkler system installed at that venue, capable of simulating consistent wet conditions—important in getting reliable data from testing.
A Look at the Drivers
Oscar Piastri got behind the wheel first. Because of the temperature lying at 0°C in the morning, testing only got underway in the afternoon. He managed to do 120 laps and got within 1:07:008 minutes on his fastest lap.
On Thursday Lando Norris jumped into the hot seat as he completed 123 laps. His best time was 1:07:956 minutes, which is nearly a second slower than that of his teammate. All in all, McLaren completed 840 km on the wet track.
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport, was pleased with the outcome of the test and said:
“The first test session of 2025 proved very useful. […] we were able to acquire plenty of information that will be vital when it comes to defining the new intermediate and extreme wet tyres.“
McLaren will then test alongside Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 4 and 5 before hitting Jerez de la Frontera on February 12 and 13. Alpine will feature on both days, with McLaren and Mercedes featuring for one day each.
Ferrari is set to join the tests in Barcelona after Lewis Hamilton suffered a minor accident on track earlier this week. The goal is to continue testing Pirelli’s 2026 tyres.
After this promising start in France, the development of Formula 1 tyres for 2026 is entering the next phase with the tests to come in Spain. The time when Formula One drivers do their first runs after the winter break can thus be confidently awaited—though unfortunately, not yet in the new cars.