Pirelli’s development programme for the 2027 Formula 1 season continued this week at the Mugello Circuit. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson participated in the latest tyre testing session. Lawson drove a Red Bull car for the test.
The testing, which concluded on August 26, focused on evaluating the three hardest compounds in Pirelli’s range. These were the C1, C2, and C3 specifications. Conditions at the Tuscan circuit were demanding, with track temperatures reaching a peak of 55°C.
Oscar Piastri completed 93 laps, covering 488 kilometres, and recorded a fastest lap of 1:21.358. Liam Lawson completed a greater distance, logging 116 laps for a total of 608 kilometres, with a best time of 1:22.297. These lap times are not indicative of competitive performance.
Piastri tested all three compounds, undertaking a series of short stints before concluding with two longer runs of 14 laps each. Lawson’s programme primarily focused on the C2 compound, involving multiple eight-lap screening runs and subsequent longer stints to validate promising options.
The 2027 Formula 1 season will introduce new technical regulations. These include the retention of 18-inch wheels, but with narrower tyres designed to reduce overall car weight. Significant changes are also expected on the power unit side, shifting to a 60/40 combustion-to-electric split.
Pirelli, confirmed as the exclusive tyre supplier until at least the end of 2027, is developing new structures and compound formulations. The objective is to ensure strategic variety in races, allowing for different pit stop approaches. The familiar Soft, Medium, and Hard labels are expected to remain.
The development process for the 2027 tyres has seen the structural phase advance significantly. Attention is now increasingly directed towards refining the behaviour of the new compounds. A Silverstone test earlier this year was a key milestone in defining the tyre structure.
Mule cars, adapted from current machinery, are being utilised to simulate the expected dimensions and loads of the future 2027 regulations. Data gathered from these tests is shared among all teams to ensure equitable development.
The Mugello Circuit, owned by Ferrari since 1988, has a history of hosting Formula 1 testing due to its demanding layout. The circuit features 15 turns and a 1.141 km long straight.
The two-day testing programme at Mugello is set to conclude with Lando Norris driving for McLaren and Ayumu Iwasa for Red Bull on the second day.
