Pirelli Reveals Tyre Choices for 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Pirelli has announced its tyre compounds for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, opting for the three softest in the range. This year's selection sees a shift from last year's choices, with an emphasis on managing tyre wear and grip on the resurfaced city streets.
The Formula 1 teams are gearing up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds to be used over the weekend. For this race, the tyre supplier has chosen the three softest compounds available: the C3 will serve as the hard tyre, the C4 as the medium, and the C5 as the soft. This is a change from the previous year, where the selection was even softer, including the C6, though it went unused during the race.
Each driver will have access to two sets of the hard tyre (marked in white), three sets of the medium (yellow), and eight sets of the soft (red). They will also have intermediate tyres (green) and full wets (blue) at their disposal, should the weather take an unexpected turn. There’s an added perk for those reaching Q3 in Qualifying: an extra set of soft tyres. As always, drivers must use at least two different slick compounds during the race, provided the track stays dry.
Pirelli's preview notes that some sections of the Baku circuit—specifically Turns 2, 3, and 4—have been resurfaced. However, this new asphalt, applied to limited areas, shouldn't significantly affect tyre behavior. As with many street circuits, initial grip levels are expected to be low, but considerable track evolution is anticipated as rubber builds up over the weekend.
The relatively smooth and non-abrasive asphalt should lead to minimal tyre wear and degradation, making a one-stop strategy the likely choice for many teams. The C5, in particular, might allow for longer stints, similar to recent performances seen at Monza. Conversely, the hard compound might not see much action in the race.
Drivers could encounter some graining, especially early on when grip is at its lowest, though it’s unlikely to be a critical factor for performance. A key focus will be on temperature management, as the long full-throttle stretch from the final corner to the first encourages tyre cooling. This cooling effect, helped by advancements in wheel rim design, might lead to lock-ups under heavy braking, particularly on the front tyres.
Ambient temperatures could further assist in managing tyre overheating. Despite Baku’s generally warm climate, the buildings lining the street circuit create shaded areas that keep track temperatures from rising too steeply.
For more details on Pirelli's tyre offerings, fans can visit their official website.