The second day of Pirelli’s tire testing at Mugello Circuit saw action from Red Bull Racing, McLaren, and Ferrari. After rain spoiled the previous day, Lando Norris, Liam Lawson, Charles Leclerc in the morning, and Carlos Sainz in the afternoon hit the track to gather important data for Formula 1’s tire suppliers.
Red Bull and Ferrari focused on tires for the 2025 season, while McLaren tested prototype tires for 2026. Norris drove a modified car because the 2026 tires are narrower. These tires are just one part of many changes coming with new rules in 2026.
Who set the fastest time in the F1 test?
The session began with wet conditions, so drivers used intermediate tires before switching to dry ones. Unlike previous rainy days, Pirelli collected lots of data this time—390 laps to be exact!
Lando Norris led with 118 laps and a best time of 1:21.302. Close behind were Liam Lawson with 116 laps at 1:23.219, Charles Leclerc clocking 79 laps at 1:21.053, and Carlos Sainz completing 77 laps with a time of 1:21.890.
Fans might think it’s cool that these tests help shape future F1 races!
Testing for the 2025 tires continues on October 25 during the Mexican Grand Prix’s second practice session. Meanwhile, development of the 2026 tires picks up again mid-November when Alpine takes them out for a spin at Magny-Cours Circuit in France on November 13 and 14. This happens right before F1 heads to Las Vegas on November 23.
What do you think about all these tire tests?
