Mercedes and McLaren Conduct Pirelli Tire Tests at Nürburgring

Formula 1 returned to Germany on April 14 and 15, 2026, as Mercedes and McLaren participated in a two-day Pirelli tire test at the Nürburgring. This marks the first time F1 machinery has returned to the circuit since 2020, when the track hosted a race during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The testing session was organized to allow both teams to maintain their competitive rhythm during an unexpected five-week gap in the 2026 racing calendar. The event also served as a logistical pivot for Pirelli after original plans for wet-weather testing in Bahrain were cancelled due to regional instability.

Dry Weather Testing and Technical Objectives

While Pirelli has recently conducted rain-testing at Fiorano and Suzuka, the focus at the Nürburgring was primarily on dry-weather performance. The data collected during these sessions will contribute to the development of the 2026 and 2027 tires, as well as the prototype super-intermediate compound.

This super-intermediate compound, which was previously tested by Racing Bulls and Red Bull in Japan, is intended to eventually replace both current wet-weather tire options.

On April 14, the program began with installation laps on intermediate tires before George Russell and Oscar Piastri transitioned to slick tires. According to reports from the Italian manufacturer, the drivers completed several eight-lap runs during the first part of the program to test various construction variants of the C3 compound.

Driver Data and Technical Setbacks

The driver lineup for the test included Mercedes championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while McLaren deployed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

George Russell completed 127 laps, totaling 654 kilometers, and recorded a fastest lap time of 1:33.899. Later in the afternoon of April 14, Russell evaluated the most promising tire solutions over longer distances to validate their behavior over a more representative mileage.

Oscar Piastri’s session was significantly hampered by a technical issue of an unknown nature. This problem kept his car in the garage from the lunch break until nearly the end of the session. Despite the setback, Piastri completed 65 laps, covering 335 kilometers, with a best lap time of 1:35.096.

Context of the 2026 Regulations

The testing at the Nürburgring provides critical track time for Mercedes and McLaren at an early stage of the new 2026 regulations. The ability to gather extensive data on dry compound tires is essential for the teams as they adapt to the updated technical requirements of the sport.

The return to the Eifel region follows a period of instability in the Middle East that forced Pirelli to reshuffle its original testing schedule, which had initially involved Nyck de Vries and McLaren in Bahrain.