F1® Teams Prepare for 2026 with Crucial Hungaroring Test

 

In the world of Formula 1®, there's truly never a dull moment. While many drivers and teams are now on their well-deserved summer break, a few have stayed on at the Hungaroring to do some crucial tyre testing. 

This isn't just a leisurely run; it's a vital opportunity for F1® teams to gather data for the new era, a luxury they're generally not afforded during the season as all testing is highly regulated to maintain a level playing field. 

Any chance to test a car and its components, along with a team's test, reserve, and prospective F3/F2 drivers, is a welcome advantage that any team will eagerly take.

Several F1® teams have stayed on in Hungary for this crucial two-day test, which is being used for 2026 tyre development work. 

Alpine, McLaren, Racing Bulls, and Ferrari are all taking part, running "mule cars" that have been adapted to fit the dimensions of the new 2026 tyres, which are 25mm narrower at the front and 30mm at the rear.

However, after taking over driving duties from test and reserve driver Paul Aron on Wednesday, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto had an off at Turn 11 that halted his run. 

The incident was a high-speed one, a stark reminder of the risks involved in pushing cars to their limit even in a test. Fortunately, Alpine quickly released a statement confirming that Colapinto was "okay" after medical checks. 

While it was a setback for the team's F1® testing schedule, everyone was relieved to know the driver was safe.

This Pirelli tyre test is a critical step in preparing for the radical rule changes coming in 2026. 

The test is aimed at evaluating new tyre constructions (which need to be homologated by September 1) and prototype compounds (which need to be homologated by December 15). 

The data gathered from drivers like Lando Norris, Liam Lawson, and Charles Leclerc is invaluable for Pirelli to ensure the new tyres perform as needed on the smaller, lighter cars of the future.

After this week’s outing at the Hungaroring, six more days of 2026 testing have been planned, with two each at the Italian tracks of Monza and Mugello, and two in Mexico City. 

The clock is ticking, and every lap, every piece of data, and every incident (like Colapinto's crash) is a lesson that will shape the future of Formula 1®.

While driver Franco Colapinto is a little bit shaken, everything is fine, and testing will continue. And as always...

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!