Australian Grand Prix preview
March 8, Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne

The opening race of 2026 marks new era at Pirelli Motorsport –
combining new tyre specification with the hybrid generation of F1 cars

Arvid
Lindblad
British driver
set for debut

Pirelli colour-coded tyres 2026
Compound range includes five
options, with C6 removed –
featuring reduced tread
and smaller overall diameter

C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
HARD
SOFT
Intermediate
Wet

Each tyre does not have
unique permanent colour –
applied on race-by-race basis
Australia race: Pirelli have
selected three softest compounds

C3
C4
C5

Armchair guide to new season
Cars: Shorter, lighter, nimbler
and more environmentally friendly

Engines: Near 50:50 split between
internal combustion and electric power

DRS retired: Replaced
by Overtake Mode – burst
of extra electrical power when
within one second of car in
front, at detection point

Fresh gadgets: Introduction
of Active Aero Mode –
adjustment of wings to reduce
drag – and Recharge Mode,
recovery of energy during race


Race statistics
2025 result: Top 6 places
Lando Norris	McLaren
Max Verstappen	Red Bull
George Russell	Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes
Alexander Albon	Williams
Lance Stroll	Aston Martin


Most driver
victories:
Michael Schumacher, 4
(2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)
Constructor
victories:
McLaren, 12
Lap record:
Charles Leclerc, 2024
1:19.813

Sources: FIA, Pirelli
Picture: Getty Images
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