Pirelli is developing higher-degradation tires for 2027 aimed at reducing the number of one-stop Formula 1 races after nine of 15 grands prix this season favored single-pit strategies. The tire supplier has conducted extensive testing with actual 2026 cars and power units at specific test sessions, providing clearer development data than previous seasons.
Chief engineer Simone Berra explained that Pirelli worked on the tire structure to generate more degradation levels after observing relatively low decay rates throughout much of 2026. The company tested different solutions targeting increased degradation on both front and rear axles through modified heat generation and thermal decay properties.
The 2026 tire development faced challenges because Pirelli had to work with team estimations and mule cars rather than actual race machinery. Simulation data varied by up to 30 percent between teams, creating uncertainty about downforce levels and tire loads that could affect laptime by around four seconds.
Recent testing at Imola involved Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi alongside Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, completing 400 combined laps. A wet weather tire test is scheduled for mid-October at Magny-Cours using the circuit's artificial watering system.