Mercedes working on 2026 rain tyre development at Silverstone

A new test session for Pirelli 2026 tyres got underway today. In conjunction with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Pirelli engineers began work on development of the Cinturato tyre range, the full wets and intermediates, which were first tested with McLaren F1 Racing back in January at Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard circuit. Today, the Brackley-based team ran a mule car based on the 2024 W15. Both its race drivers are involved, Kimi Antonelli on track today, while George Russell takes over tomorrow.

The English circuit’s 2.630 kilometre National track layout was artificially watered using water trucks. Antonelli completed 103 laps, the quickest in a time of 47”560. During the first part of the day, the work focussed on the intermediate tyres, before switching to extreme wets in the afternoon.