The new smaller F1 tyres for 2026 will be used for the first time on the Aston Martin mule car

The new, narrower 2026 Formula 1 tyre specifications have been used for the first time on an Aston Martin mule car.

In preparation for a major rule overhaul in two years’ time, Pirelli is introducing slightly smaller tyres as part of an effort to reduce the overall weight of the car.

The tires retain the current 18-inch rim size used for the latest Ground-Effect era, but the size of both the front and rear tires gets smaller.

Pirelli has agreed to reduce the width of the front tyre by 25mm and the width of the rear tyre by 30mm.

The tires themselves are also getting smaller in diameter, from the current 720mm to 705-710mm.

Although the final Formula 1 technical regulations for 2026 have not yet been finalised, meaning that the final aerodynamic loads have not yet been determined, Pirelli did not want to wait too long to start testing the tyres on track.

Therefore, an agreement has been reached with the FIA ​​on a mule-car test program, which will be carried out with modified cars for the 2023 models.

As all teams were naturally keen to learn more about the tyre designs for 2026, there was a lot of interest from teams who decided to use a mule car for these first runs.

Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin Racing, Pirelli test Barcelona

Photo by: Pirelli

Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin Racing, Pirelli test Barcelona

Photo by: Pirelli

However, Aston Martin emerged victorious. Team principal Mike Krack revealed that the decision to allow the team to participate in the first test was made by drawing lots.

“There was a selection process – or a lottery process – because there were a number of teams that wanted to be part of this testing program. We were the first to be drawn, so we are the first to do this,” he said.

McLaren and Alpine are also reportedly set to take part in the first round of mule car testing, with all other teams joining later in the development programme.

Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich was the first to try out the 2026 tyre designs, driving the modified Aston Martin for two days in Barcelona this week, having already completed 670km on Tuesday.

The FIA ​​had to make a rule change to allow the use of mule cars for the 2026 regulations, with Pirelli admitting that this was a delicate situation to ensure no one would gain a competitive advantage.

“Of course, on the one hand they (the FIA) don’t want to give anyone an advantage,” said Mario Isola, head of Pirelli’s motor racing. “That’s understandable.

Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin Racing, Pirelli test Barcelona

Photo by: Pirelli

“On the other hand, we need to have cars that are as representative as possible of the situation in 2026. We will choose together with the teams a downforce level that is representative.

“But this is the very first test. We are going to test the baseline to understand if the balance is right.

“Of course we have simulations and we have indoor tests, and we have already released indoor data to all teams as usual, and we will also distribute the report to the teams after the test.”