Latest news with #F12026
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The challenges Pirelli faces developing all-new 2026 F1 tyres
The 2026 revolution in Formula 1 doesn't just involve new cars and a different engine formula. It also includes an entirely new generation of tyres - an element that plays a crucial role in modern F1. Initially, the FIA wanted to switch to 16-inch for 2026 to reduce weight, but sole tyre supplier Pirelli opposed this for several reasons, including road relevance. As a result, F1 will stick with 18-inch tyres, but the new wheels will be narrower and have a slightly smaller diameter as well, which should still contribute to weight savings in 2026. Mule cars not fully representative of F1 2026 machinery Next year's tyres will feature an all-new construction and new compounds. Extensive testing is in full swing, most recently with Aston Martin and Sauber at Silverstone. However, it's a complicated process, as Pirelli can't test its new tyres on 2026-spec cars and has to rely on 'mule cars' - modified cars under the current set of regulations that are adapted to simulate the 2026 characteristics. Pirelli admits they are not truly representative of next year, and as such, developing the new 2026 tyres is to some extent a leap into the unknown. Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber, Pirelli test Silverstone 'I'm satisfied with the development so far, but of course, there are a lot of question marks,' Mario Isola, head of Pirelli Motorsport, told 'First of all, that's related to the car. We are using mule cars. Teams are doing a good job in trying to give us a car that is as representative as possible, but they are still current cars. 'It means they are cars with a different aero package and a different level of downforce as well. Actually, we estimate that the downforce they are generating is higher compared to what we'll have next year. 'This means that it's a bit difficult for us to have a range of compounds that is perfectly centred across the performance of the car. 'If the car is stressing the tyres more or less compared to what you expect, then of course there's a risk to go too aggressive or too conservative with the tyres, because you don't have a clear idea on what you will find in 2026.' Still, Isola sees reason for optimism based on past experience: 'In 2021, when we were developing the 18-inch tyre, and it was working quite well in 2022. Mario Isola, Racing Manager, Pirelli Motorsport, on the grid 'During the first year with the new cars, we didn't find any major changes that were needed on the tyres.' 'Obviously, fine-tunings are always necessary, so I'm still expecting a tyre in 2027 that is different from the one in 2026,' added Isola, expecting there to be a better understanding of the new regulations once they are in effect for a year. A calculated guess for 2026? Until then, Pirelli must to some extent make a calculated guess based on various parameters and sources of information that it can look it. The mule cars are one of them, but can't be trusted as an absolute benchmark. 'We cannot just rely on our tests with the mule cars,' added Isola. 'We need to cross all the information that is coming from the track with simulations from the teams, what their simulators say about 2026, our virtual model and a thermomechanical model of the tyres. 'So, it's quite a lot of work together with our modelling department, R&D, the testing department, material department and many more elements. 'We've also found differences between the mule cars, each team is preparing a mule car in a different way.' Lando Norris, McLaren during Pirelli test To simulate the reduced downforce levels of 2026, teams run significantly less wing than they normally would on a given track - but that's not the only adjustment for the tests. 'No, it's not just about the wings,' said Isola, 'because they have to change the ride height as well, given the new tyres are lower in diameter. 'So, they made some modifications to the cars that are allowed by the FIA in order to give us the most representative mule cars. 'But as I said, we still found differences across the teams. It's useful for us to test with all the teams to get a complete picture and also to get a good idea about the differences across all mule cars. 'But to return to your initial question: overall, we're quite happy with the progress, and we believe that we can have a well-balanced product in 2026.' Testing of the 2026 tyres will continue on 5-6 August at the Hungaroring, followed by additional sessions in Monza, Mugello, and Mexico City. To read more articles visit our website.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Mick Schumacher confirms he IS in talks to return to Formula One as son of legendary driver Michael plots surprise comeback after being dumped in 2022
Formula One outcast Mick Schumacher has confirmed he is in talks with newcomers Cadillac regarding a return to the sport for the 2026 season. The German driver has not raced in F1 since leaving Haas in 2022, and was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes' reserve driver at the end of last season. However, with General Motors-backed team Cadillac set to join the grid in March of next year, Schumacher is one of the many drivers currently without a seat vying to drive the new car on the block. Sergio Perez and Bottas are said to be the frontrunners for the two open seats, with both without a place on the grid currently. But they are just two of many candidates in the running, and Schumacher - who now drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine - has revealed that he has held 'positive' conversations with team principal Graeme Lowdon, calling the Cadillac project 'incredible'. The 26-year-old told 'Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far. 'They've already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It's an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in.' Lowdon, who previously ran the Manor F1 team in its various forms in the early 2010s, also confirmed that discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast. 'Yeah, we're talking to Mick,' said Lowdon with a huge grin on his face. Many thought that Schumacher's chance in F1 had already passed when he was booted from the Haas team, with an array of talented young drivers overtaking him in the pecking order. Nonetheless, Lowdon was full of praise for the son of seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher, even if he is one of many in with a shout of a seat at Cadillac next season. 'Mick is great,' Lowdon told Sky Deutschland. 'He's a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I've got to know him better now. 'He's still young, but he already has Formula 1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. 'We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick. 'He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long.' Bottas has been one of the names floated about when discussing who may drive for the Ferrari-powered team, and Lowdon has confirmed that talks with the Mercedes reserve driver have also taken place. However, the team principal was keen to make it known that he does not want the likes of Schumacher and Bottas to join just to prove they are still worthy of a seat, but to help the team succeed in its rookie year. Continuing on the High Performance Podcast, he said: 'Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. 'Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like. 'For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it's not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever. 'The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point.' When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not want to rule any driver out of the running. 'Every single person, every name that you're going to read out, we're talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive.'
