P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula 1 is scheduled to remain running 18-inch tyres when the sport undergoes its radical overhaul in 2026 amid Pirelli’s
The last major update to the technical regulations in 2022 was the transition from 13 to 18-inch tires in Formula 1 to make the sport more relevant to road cars. In 2026, there was a proposal to downsize the rims to 16 inches with the aim of reducing car weight, but Pirelli rejected this idea due to concerns about technology transfer and the extensive production required for new tires. Although no official decision has been announced, it is likely that the 18-inch tires will be retained with modifications to their size and shape. Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola mentioned that discussions are leaning towards keeping 18-inch tires with slight adjustments to their dimensions to accommodate the new car design. The weight of the cars has been a key issue for drivers, prompting the FIA to seek lighter and smaller cars in the future. Isola argued that switching to 16-inch rims would not significantly impact weight and performance, with 18-inch tires being the preferred choice for better performance and heat dispersion.
