Late last week, whispers in the Bahrain test paddock hinted at efforts to ditch the narrower Pirelli tyre dimensions planned for 2026.
When quizzed on the development tyres' feel, Red Bull's Max Verstappen stayed elusive. "They're round," he smiled.
Mercedes' George Russell, however, didn't mince words. "They're clearly worse overall, there's no doubt about that. Because they're a lot narrower," he told reporters.
Motorsport-magazin.com claims Mercedes is spearheading a push to retain the current tyre sizes for 2026, scrapping the narrower design. Yet the dimensions—crafted with team input—aimed for reduced drag and weight, suiting the radically overhauled 2026 cars.
Pirelli's F1 chief Mario Isola is remaining flexible and diplomatic.
"If the majority of teams want to keep the current size, then we will do it," he said, noting existing moulds could pair with 2026 compounds.
Reversing course now, however, seems improbable. Many teams have progressed their 2026 designs based on the agreed specs, making a late shift unlikely.
