Pirelli to introduce narrower tyres and drop C6 compound for Formula 1's 2026 rules revamp

Formula 1 will introduce narrower tyres as part of its sweeping 2026 regulatory overhaul, while tyre supplier Pirelli has decided to drop its ultra-soft C6 compound from the lineup.

The 2026 season represents one of the sport's most comprehensive rule changes, aimed at making cars smaller, nimbler, and more environmentally friendly. While the cars will retain 18-inch wheels, the front tyre width will be reduced by 25mm and the rear tyres by 30mm.

Allocation and Compound Structure

Pirelli, which has been the exclusive tyre provider to Formula 1 since 2011 and holds a supply agreement through at least the 2028 season, will provide five slick compounds across the championship: C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5.

For every Grand Prix weekend, Pirelli nominates three slick compounds suited to the circuit characteristics and expected strategies:

• Soft (Red): Delivers maximum grip and speed but suffers from the highest degradation, making it ideal for qualifying and short stints.
• Medium (Yellow): Provides a balance between outright pace and endurance.
• Hard (White): Offers the least grip but the highest durability, tailored for long race stints.

On a standard race weekend, drivers are allocated 13 sets of slick tyres, four sets of intermediates, and three sets of full wet tyres. Drivers reaching the final stage of qualifying (Q3) receive an additional set of softs, and all competitors are mandated to use at least two different dry compounds in a dry race. During sprint race weekends, slick allocations are adjusted to 12 sets, alongside five intermediate sets and two full wet sets.

Wet Weather Tyres and C6 Discontinuation

When rain arrives, teams rely on two treaded options: green-walled intermediate tyres for damp and drying track surfaces, and blue-walled full wet tyres designed to evacuate high volumes of standing water and maintain traction in heavy rain.

The C6 compound, which was introduced as a specialised street-track ultra-soft tyre used at venues such as Monaco, Imola, Montreal, and Baku, will not return for 2026. Pirelli confirmed that the performance delta between the C5 and C6 was too minimal to warrant continuing the compound in the revised regulations.