Gabriele Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto completed a significant Pirelli tyre development test at the Hungaroring, covering a combined 2,892 kilometres over two days. The session, which concluded on Wednesday, focused on the final development programme for the 2026 Formula 1 tyre specifications.
Bortoleto, affiliated with Audi, recorded the fastest lap time of 1:19.917. Alpine-backed driver Colapinto followed with a best effort of 1:20.139.
The test was conducted under extreme conditions, with track temperatures reaching a punishing 59°C. This environment provided a severe assessment of the new tyre compounds’ heat resistance and degradation characteristics.
Pirelli’s 2026 tyre development is specifically tailored for the upcoming technical regulations, which include revised car designs and new power unit specifications. The objective is to produce more durable 18-inch tyres with a broader operating window.
Audi, Alpine, and Aston Martin supplied modified 2025 cars, known as ‘mule cars’, for the test. These vehicles are crucial for simulating the anticipated downforce and weight characteristics of the 2026 F1 machinery.
Gabriele Bortoleto is a prominent member of the Audi Driver Academy, with the manufacturer preparing for its entry into Formula 1 in 2026. His participation underscores Audi’s commitment to driver development.
Franco Colapinto is part of the Alpine Academy, positioning him as a potential future contender for an F1 seat with the team. Both drivers provided critical feedback to Pirelli engineers.
The 2,892 kilometres covered by the two drivers equates to approximately 660 laps of the 4.381-kilometre Hungaroring circuit. This extensive mileage allowed for comprehensive data collection.
Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director, highlighted the value of the data gathered, particularly under the demanding thermal conditions. He emphasised the importance of input from young drivers in refining the 2026 tyre designs.
The information collected from this Budapest test will be instrumental in finalising the construction and compound choices for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Pirelli aims to deliver tyres that align with the sport’s evolving technical demands.
