P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are set to conduct a 2026 Pirelli tyre test at the Barcelona Formula 1 circuit next week in a specially modified Ferrari.
The 2026 F1 machines will bring a new era to the series with significant regulatory changes including narrower, shorter, and lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and a new construction of Pirelli tyres. These changes will result in the front tyres being 25mm narrower and the rears being 30mm narrower compared to the current construction. All 10 teams have committed to special testing in 2025 to assist Pirelli in gathering valuable data for the following season. Ferrari will run a modified SF-24 30kg lighter than standard with a low-downforce setup to simulate the 2026 regulations accurately. McLaren and Ferrari are expected to continue 2026 Pirelli tyre testing in Barcelona using 2024 cars with a low downforce setup, reflecting the upcoming changes in F1’s hybrid power units and aero regulations. The FIA has made adjustments to the 2026 aero regulations following concerns from teams about drastic changes possibly increasing lap times significantly. Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed performance progress has been achieved, with the resulting lap times very close to current cars thanks to the modifications made as promised in June.
