Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are set to participate in a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello this Friday.
This follows Pirelli’s preparations as they conduct their ‘final evaluations’ for the new tyres to be used in the F1 2026 season.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to Join Pirelli Tyre Test at Mugello
As significant changes are slated for next season, F1 will see a shift towards 50% electrification, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics, with both chassis and engine regulations being updated concurrently.
The tyres will also undergo modifications, with the front tyres being narrowed by 25mm and the rear tyres by 30mm.
Several teams have provided modified ‘mule cars’ to assist Pirelli in refining the new tyres, which simulate the expected aerodynamic forces under the new regulations.
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Earlier, Ferrari experimented with a movable, DRS-like mechanism on the front wing of its mule car during a recent test in Hungary to mimic next year’s active aerodynamics.
Both Leclerc and Hamilton will alternate driving the Ferrari SF-25 mule car at Mugello, as Pirelli conducts its critical assessments of the F1 2026 tyre’s hardest materials.
Furthermore, Ferrari is engaging in a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session today, featuring Zhou Guanyu and Arthur Leclerc, Charles’ brother, in the 2023 car.
Romain Grosjean’s Return
Haas is also present at Mugello, with former F1 driver Romain Grosjean scheduled for a special TPC session in the VF-23, marking his first time back in an F1 car since his career-ending accident in Bahrain in 2020.
Haas confirmed that Grosjean would reunite with his former crew, including team principal Ayao Komatsu, who has a long-standing connection with the driver.
Grosjean expressed his excitement about the opportunity to return and take part in the TPC, especially with a helmet design created by his children for his intended last race in 2020.
Komatsu also shared his enthusiasm for Grosjean’s return, emphasizing the significance of the test day for both of them, and how it will be a nostalgic experience for the entire team.
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