Sainz, Leclerc and Norris completed Pirelli's latest tyre test
Formula One's sole tyre supplier Pirelli staged its latest in-season tyre testing, with three teams - Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren - having assisted the Milan-based company in its preparation for the future tyre specifications.
This week saw Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari complete a two-day tyre test with Pirelli at the Mugello Circuit in Italy. While the first day of the test was curtailed due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions, the second day took place in much better conditions.
It was Lando Norris to drive for McLaren while Ferrari split its day, with Charles Leclerc driving in the morning to then hand the car over to his team-mate Carlos Sainz. Liam Lawson, who will make his comeback at next weekend's United States Grand Prix, replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the Visa Cash RB team, got behind the wheel of the Red Bull F1 car.
Pirelli split the programme into two parts. The reigning champion team and Ferrari which owns the Mugello track, focused on testing the tyres for the upcoming season. By contrast, McLaren tested prototype tyres for the 2026 F1 season that will see the sport introduce an all-new technical regulation for both the power unit and the chassis.
While the first hour saw drivers use intermediate tyres, they were able to switch to dry-weather tyres for the remainder of the day. The good weather meant that Pirelli were able to gather lots of data, with the four drivers having racked up a total of 390 laps.
Lando Norris completed the most laps (118 with a best time of 1.21.302), followed by Liam Lawson (116 laps, 1.23.219), Charles Leclerc (79 laps, 1.21.053) and Carlos Sainz (77 laps, 1.21.'890).
Pirelli will push on with its 2025-tyre testing at the Mexican Grand Prix where drivers will be able to try out next year's tyres during the second free practice session. Regarding the 2026 tyres, the Italian company will complete further on-track testing with Alpine, with this running set to take place on the 13th and 14th of November at the Magny-Cours Circuit in France.
