Why F1 is developing faster-wearing tyres for 2027

News Summary

Pirelli is working to make its 2027 F1 tyres lose performance more quickly during a stint.
The aim is to reduce the number of races in which a single pit stop is the clear choice.
Tests with current cars give Pirelli better data than it had while developing the tyres for 2026.

Formula 1 could have more varied pit-stop strategies in 2027 if Pirelli’s latest tyre development delivers the degradation it is seeking. The supplier is testing changes to the tyres’ construction after finding that performance has dropped too slowly at several races this season.

A one-stop strategy has suited the majority of the field, including the winner, at nine of the first 15 grands prix of 2026, according to The Race. There have been exceptions: Lando Norris made three stops on his way to victory in Hungary. The pattern nevertheless helps explain why Pirelli is trying to make tyre wear a bigger consideration for teams next year.

Pirelli chief engineer Simone Berra said the development target is now “more related to generating more degradation” than to correcting the car’s balance or stability. The company has evaluated solutions affecting both the front and rear tyres, with the aim of increasing heat generation and the rate at which performance falls away during a stint.

That could make a second stop competitive at more circuits, but it would not guarantee a particular strategy. Track surface, temperature, tyre allocation and the performance of each car will still influence whether teams stop once, twice or more often. Pirelli must also finish selecting the compounds it will offer in 2027.

The supplier has a better basis for that work than it had for the current tyres. During 2025, Pirelli had to rely heavily on teams’ simulations and modified test cars because the new-generation F1 cars and power units were not yet racing. This year it can test future tyres using cars built to the 2026 regulations.

Ferrari and Racing Bulls recently completed a two-day development programme at Imola. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc covered 623 km on the opening day in a test already reported by GRANDE PRÊMIO; the teams continued the programme on day two. Berra said running with current cars gives Pirelli a clearer picture of the loads the tyres must handle.

The 2027 tyres remain under development. Pirelli’s next scheduled test is at Magny-Cours in October, where it plans to work on wet-weather tyres. The construction changes being evaluated and the final dry-weather compound range will determine how much the strategy picture actually changes next season.

F1 today: FAQ

Is Fernando Alonso staying at Aston Martin in 2027?

Yes. Aston Martin confirmed that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have extended their contracts and will continue with the team beyond 2026. The announcement secures Alonso’s place on the 2027 grid.

Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas, and who will replace him?

Ocon will leave Haas at the end of 2026. Rafael Câmara is a reported favourite, but the team has not announced a replacement; Leonardo Fornaroli, Jack Doohan and Ryō Hirakawa have also been evaluated.