Leclerc leads Ferrari times as Hamilton returns for 2026 tyre test

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged fastest overall during a significant two-day Pirelli Formula 1 tyre test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Lewis Hamilton made his return to action following his recent testing incident at the same venue.

The test, focusing on prototype developments for F1's 2026 regulations, saw Ferrari and McLaren accumulate nearly 3,000 kilometers of crucial data as teams work to understand the narrower tyres planned for the sport's next technical revolution.

Hamilton back in the groove

Hamilton, whose previous test was cut short by a crash, demonstrated strong pace in the adapted SF-24, posting competitive times throughout his running.

The seven-time world champion completed 161 laps across both days, working alongside teammate Leclerc to evaluate various tyre constructions and compounds.

Technical focus

The testing program centered specifically on slick tyre development, with Pirelli introducing multiple construction and compound combinations. Special attention was paid to the harder end of the spectrum, from C1 to C3 compounds, chosen specifically to exploit Barcelona's notorious reputation for high tyre degradation.

McLaren share testing load

McLaren's participation proved equally valuable, with Lando Norris impressing on day one by completing 159 laps and setting the day's fastest time of 1m15.215s.

Oscar Piastri took over for day two, contributing 152 laps to the program in the modified MCL60 from 2023.

The extensive testing reflects the significant changes coming to Formula 1's tyre specifications in 2026.

The new regulations will introduce tyres that are 25mm narrower at the front and 30mm narrower at the rear, with a slightly reduced diameter while maintaining the current wheel size.

Mario Isola, Pirelli's motorsport director, emphasized the test's importance:

"The Barcelona circuit is known as one of the most demanding for the tyres in terms of the energy exerted and degradation, therefore the information we have gathered over these two busy days will be very important for the future development of this generation of tyres."

The development program continues with upcoming sessions scheduled for mid-February in Jerez, where Alpine, McLaren, and Mercedes will participate, followed by further testing in Bahrain in early March with Alpine and Williams.