Work on two fronts for F1 2025 tests
Four teams, three drivers, two tracks. There's no let up when it comes to development of the 2025 tyres over the final quarter of the year, vital for finalising compounds for next season. As for tyre construction, as per the regulations the specifications are frozen as of 1 September.
At Monza circuit, Pirelli was supported by Racing Bulls, continuing to work on development of the slick tyres. Overnight rain left the track damp for the first part of the morning so that Liam Lawson began his day's work running intermediate tyres, before switching to slicks once the surface had dried.
Pirelli also availed itself of Scuderia Ferrari's hospitality and support at its Fiorano track. At the wheel of an SF-24, Oliver Bearman worked on the development of new rain and intermediate tyres, making use of the artificial watering system with which the Ferrari-owned track is fitted. The Englishman began with a few laps in the dry before focusing on the programme devised by the Pirelli engineers. Bearman completed 167 laps.
There is still a busy Pirelli testing schedule between now and the end of the year, not just looking ahead to next season, but also the following one. The next test takes place at Spain's Barcelona-Catalunya circuit on 17 and 18 September. On this occasion, the first of the 2026 prototype tyres will make their debut, which of course continue to be 18” but slightly narrower than the current range. For this test, Aston Martin will be providing a current generation car, which has been modified to allow the use of this new size of tyre. Testing for 2025 will then resume at Magny-Cours, France on 1 and 2 October, with the support of Mercedes.
