Pirelli Announces Tyre Compounds for First Three Grands Prix of the 2026 Formula 1 Season

This announcement delivers key information on how teams will manage performance and strategy as the sport enters a new era with updated technical regulations. The nominations cover the opening leg of the season:

• Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park)
• Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai International Circuit)
• Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)

Comprehensive Range for Early 2026

For these events, Pirelli will provide a selection spanning from the hardest to the softest compounds within its dry tyre range, similar to previous seasons. The full range is designed to give teams flexibility across varying circuit surfaces and temperatures early in the year.

Teams will be able to choose from among the designated tyre options throughout practice sessions, qualifying, and race day, with the exact allocations and compulsory usage rules to be published closer to each event.

Strategic Implications

The nomination of a full tyre range for the first three races allows teams to implement varied strategy options based on circuit characteristics. Harder compounds can offer durability and long stints, while softer compounds typically deliver greater grip and faster lap times—a balance teams must manage to optimise race outcomes.

Early decisions on tyre selection will influence practice session objectives and qualifying approaches, as well as strategic choices during the races themselves. The tyres nominated for these opening races reflect Pirelli’s continuing commitment to providing a diverse performance envelope that challenges teams to extract the best from their cars.