F1 | McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull busy at Mugello for testing of 2025 and 2026 compounds
Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull on track at Mugello to test Pirelli's 2025 compounds
F1 Test Mugello Pirelli – After a rain-affected first day of testing, the weather provided a respite at Mugello, allowing Pirelli and the teams – Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari – to continue with their tyre development programmes for 2025 and 2026.
On Tuesday, Red Bull brought in Liam Lawson to test the harder compounds for 2025, while McLaren brought in Lando Norris to test prototypes of its 2026 tyres. These, while still 18” in size, are slightly smaller than the current tyres, both front and rear. Wednesday saw the addition of Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz driving the SF-24, also working on tyre development for next season.
Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari busy at Mugello
For the four drivers, it was an important opportunity not only to contribute to tyre development, but also to maintain the pace ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, scheduled for two weeks' time. Lawson, in particular, was able to accumulate valuable mileage with Red Bull, effectively preparing for his debut with Racing Bulls (the New Zealander will replace Daniel Ricciardo).
Pirelli worked on two distinct fronts: Red Bull and Ferrari focused on the harder compounds for 2025, while McLaren continued to test prototypes for 2026. The Mugello circuit, with its fast corners, proved ideal for evaluating the resistance of the tyres, especially those that are most stressed.
The day started with a still damp track, forcing the teams to use intermediate tyres, but conditions improved around eleven o'clock, allowing the teams to switch to slicks. At the end of the session, a total of 390 laps were completed. The most active was Norris with 118 laps and a best time of 1'21''302. Lawson finished with 116 laps and a time of 1'23''219, while Sainz and Leclerc split the day, completing 79 and 77 laps respectively.
Pirelli Testing Now Scheduled in Mexico
The 2025 tyre development programme will continue over the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, with teams getting an extra 30 minutes in FP2 to test the softer compounds. Work on the 2026 tyres, meanwhile, is set for mid-November at Magny-Cours, with Alpine testing.
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