The Complete Guide to Formula 1 Tyres in 2026
The Ask Me Anything team breaks down the distinct tyre compounds that teams will utilise throughout the 2026 season. Understanding the technical specifications and strategic applications of these rubber compounds is essential to grasping modern Formula 1 competition.

As the 2026 season unfolds, the technical complexity of tyre selection remains one of the most critical strategic elements in Formula 1. The Ask Me Anything team provides an in-depth exploration of the various tyre types that power the grid's fastest machines throughout the championship.
Each Grand Prix weekend presents teams and drivers with crucial decisions surrounding which tyre compounds to deploy, and understanding the characteristics of these different options is fundamental to appreciating the sport's tactical depth. From the softer compounds that provide maximum grip to the harder options designed for durability and longevity, these rubber compounds form the crucial interface between asphalt and machinery.
The AMA team examines the specifications and performance characteristics that differentiate each tyre compound available to competitors. This analysis helps fans and observers comprehend the strategic calculations teams must make when planning their race approach and managing tyre degradation throughout competitive sessions.
By exploring the technical attributes and practical applications of Formula 1's tyre selection, viewers gain greater insight into the decision-making processes that define competitive strategy at motorsport's highest level.
Original source
BBC Sport F1
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article 9.1
Tyre Specifications
Chapter: Chapter IX - Tyres
In Simple Terms
Pirelli is F1's sole tyre supplier. Each driver gets a fixed allocation per weekend: typically 13 sets of slicks (across soft, medium, hard), plus wet weather tyres. Teams must strategically use their allocation across practice, qualifying, and the race.
- Pirelli is sole official supplier
- Fixed allocation per weekend
- Three dry compounds: soft, medium, hard
- Intermediate and wet also provided
Official FIA Text
Only tyres supplied by the official tyre supplier may be used. During a race weekend, each driver is allocated a specified number of dry weather tyre sets comprising soft, medium and hard compounds, plus intermediate and wet weather tyres.
Article 4R
Tyres
Chapter: C10.8
In Simple Terms
F1 teams must use Pirelli tyres as the official supplier and follow strict rules about tyre usage, compounds, and storage. Teams can only use tyres provided by the official supplier and must manage them according to FIA regulations throughout the race weekend.
- Only official Pirelli tyres are permitted in F1 competition
- Teams must follow mandatory tyre compound usage rules for each race
- Tyres must be stored and handled according to FIA specifications
- Tyre allocation is managed by the FIA and cannot be exceeded
Official FIA Text
Tyres
Article B6.1.1
Supply Of Tyres
Chapter: B6
In Simple Terms
F1 has one official tyre supplier who must make three different types of dry-weather tyres, plus intermediate and wet-weather tyres available to all teams. Each tyre type looks visibly different so everyone knows which compound is being used. Sometimes extra experimental tyres are tested during races.
- Single tyre manufacturer provides all tyres for the season
- Three dry-weather tyre specifications must be available (soft, medium, hard compounds)
- One intermediate and one wet-weather tyre specification each
- All tyre types must be visibly distinguishable from one another
Official FIA Text
The single tyre manufacturer must provide three specifications of dry-weather tyre, one specification of intermediate tyre, and one specification of wet-weather tyre, each visibly distinguishable. Additional tyre specifications may be made available for In-Competition Tyre Evaluation and In-Competition Tyre Testing at certain Competitions.
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