Formula 1 machinery returned to the Nürburgring this week for the first time since 2020, as Mercedes and McLaren assisted Pirelli with a two‑day dry‑weather tyre development programme aimed at the 2027 season.
The test formed part of Pirelli’s ongoing work to refine future constructions and compounds under the sport’s evolving technical framework.
Back on historic ground
Following last week’s wet‑tyre running at Fiorano with Ferrari, Pirelli shifted focus to dry‑weather development at the iconic German venue. The opening day began on a damp track, but conditions steadily improved, allowing the teams to work through a structured plan centred on construction variants of the C3 compound.
As is standard for Pirelli tests, the Italian manufacturer dictated the run plans, with teams and drivers unaware of the specific tyre specifications being evaluated. Their role was simply to provide consistent, high‑quality feedback.
Day One: Russell and Piastri Open the Programme
George Russell (Mercedes) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) handled driving duties on Tuesday. With the circuit gradually drying, both completed multiple long runs as Pirelli gathered data on how different C3 constructions behaved across changing track conditions.
The day set the foundation for a more representative second session, with the track fully dry by Wednesday morning.
Day Two: Antonelli and Norris Take Over
Wednesday saw reigning world champion Lando Norris and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli take over for McLaren and Mercedes respectively. Both began on C3 prototypes before transitioning to softer compounds as the programme evolved.
The pair logged near‑identical mileage: 109 laps (561 km) for Antonelli: 109 laps, and 108 laps (556 km) for Norris.
Despite running different tyre specifications — Antonelli on C4s and Norris on C5s during the final phase — the Mercedes driver ended the day with the quicker time, a 1:32.990, compared to Norris’s 1:33.640.
What comes next for Pirelli
The Nürburgring test forms part of a broader 2026–27 development cycle as Pirelli prepares for the next evolution of F1’s tyre regulations. The programme continues in May with a wet‑weather test at Magny‑Cours, followed by another dry‑weather session after the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona‑Catalunya in June.
