This morning a new Pirelli test session got underway at the Hungaroring, centred on development of the 2026 tyres. Taking part were the McLaren, Racing Bulls and Alpine teams.
On a day marked by ambient temperatures ranging between 21°C and 31°C and track temperatures between 29°C and 56°C, the day’s programme focused on a comparison of various prototypes of the C3, C4 and C5 compounds. In the morning, the drivers carried out short runs to check the performance level of each of these, before switching to longer runs in the afternoon to observe their behaviour over longer distances.
The three teams all ran mule cars, adapted to fit the dimensions of the 2026 tyres which, while retaining the 18” diameter, are 25 mm narrower at the front and 30 at the rear. McLaren and Alpine’s cars were based on their 2023 model, while Racing Bulls used one from last season.
All three drivers on track today had also been at the wheel over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend: McLaren fielded race winner Lando Norris, in the Racing Bulls was Liam Lawson, while Paul Aron, who had driven in the first free practice session last Friday for Sauber, was behind the wheel of the Alpine.
As for lap times and distances completed, Paul Aron was quickest in 1’18’’789, followed by Lando Norris (1’19’’272) and Liam Lawson (1’19’’510) completing 159, 144 and 143 laps respectively.
Testing continues tomorrow, when Alpine’s current line-up of Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly will both drive the A525. They will be joined by Charles Leclerc at the wheel of a modified Ferrari SF-25.
