Pirelli concludes 2026 rain tests at Fiorano with Zhou and Leclerc
This week, Pirelli finalized the development of its rain tires for 2026 during two days of testing at Fiorano. Zhou Guanyu and Charles Leclerc tested intermediate and extreme rain prototypes at the wheel of a modified Ferrari SF-25, enabling the Italian manufacturer to finalize its specifications ahead of the 2026 technical revolution.
Pirelli conducted two days of testing dedicated to the 2026 season’s wet and intermediate tires at the Fiorano circuit, in collaboration with Ferrari. Reserve driver Guanyu Zhou took the wheel on the first day, followed by Charles Leclerc the next day.
The tests used a modified SF-25 to accommodate the dimensions of the 2026 tires, with a track artificially watered to simulate wet conditions.
First day with Zhou
Ferrari reserve driver Guanyu Zhou kicked off proceedings on Thursday at the wheel of a modified SF-25 to accommodate the dimensions of the 2026 tires. The Chinese driver completed 159 laps on the 2.976-kilometer track, equivalent to 473 kilometers covered.
Zhou set his best time at 59.820 on slick tires during the morning session. On intermediate tires, he recorded a time of 1:07.400. Pirelli engineers were able to compare different prototypes using the artificial sprinkling system at the private Maranello circuit.
Second day, Leclerc takes over
Charles Leclerc continued on Friday for the second day of testing. The Monegasque, who had just come from the premiere of the F1 film in New York after the Canadian Grand Prix, completed an additional 110 laps. His best overall time was 59.210 on dry tires, while he clocked 1:06.800 on intermediates.
These sessions aimed to compare different prototypes of compounds and structures in light of the new technical regulations for 2026. In total, the two drivers completed 269 laps, allowing for extensive data collection.
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport director, expressed satisfaction with the work done: « These two days of testing have been very useful, they allow us to complete the development of next year’s intermediate and wet tires. We will now analyze all the data and finalize the definitive solutions. »
The Challenges of Development 2026
Pirelli’s work proves to be particularly complex this year. Indeed, the mule cars do not allow for precise simulation of the loads and behaviors expected with the 2026 regulations. The significant upcoming technical changes – revised aerodynamics, lighter cars, power units with enhanced electrical components – will directly influence tire behavior.
Isola also highlighted this difficulty: « It is never easy to work on wet weather tire development, because it is difficult to consistently reproduce track conditions and temperature also plays an important role. »
The next 2026 test will take place at Silverstone after the British Grand Prix. Pirelli aims to improve performance and the operating window compared to current tires, a critical aspect as rainy conditions regularly pose visibility and safety issues in Formula 1.
