Pirelli Drops Softest Tire After Verstappen’s Criticism
Max Verstappen finally got his wish. Pirelli has decided to ditch their softest tire compound, the C6, for the 2026 F1 season.
The Dutch champion had previously asked for it to be “left at home” – and it looks like Pirelli was listening.
Testing revealed the C6 didn’t offer enough performance advantage over the C5 to justify keeping it in the lineup.
Following extensive tests during the Mexico City Grand Prix, Pirelli has finalized which tire compounds will be available next year. The official homologation is set for December 15.
Currently, F1 teams use tires ranging from the hardest (C1) to the softest (C6). For each race weekend, Pirelli selects three compounds based on the track layout, how abrasive the asphalt is, and even the expected weather.
But starting in 2026, teams will only have C1 through C5 compounds to work with.
This isn’t just Verstappen complaining for no reason. Other drivers have criticized the C6 as well.
“I want to have a chat with Pirelli sometime about just leaving that tire at home,” Verstappen said during the Baku race weekend. He had previously raised concerns about the compound back in Imola too.
## How Pirelli Made This Decision
Developing tires for 2026 hasn’t been easy for Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer had to rely on simulation data from teams about expected loads and speeds for the end of the 2026 season.
“Tyre development was carried out on the basis of forecast data as supplied by the teams,” Pirelli explained.
The job was made even tougher by the massive regulation changes coming in 2026.
With the introduction of active aerodynamics and slightly narrower tires, Pirelli’s testing has been particularly challenging.
“The models were validated based on the results of development track testing with mule cars modified to reproduce the characteristics of the next generation of cars,” Pirelli added.
Testing couldn’t be done on actual 2026 cars since they don’t exist yet. The new cars will use slightly narrower 18-inch tires compared to what’s currently on track.
One more day of tire testing remains before everything is finalized. It’s scheduled for December 9, just days after the 2025 season ends.
Teams will test the C2-C5 slick compounds, with current drivers expected to handle the testing duties in modified “mule” cars designed to simulate 2026 conditions.
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