Pirelli Reveals Tyre Choices for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix
Pirelli has announced the tyre compounds for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, set to take place at the revamped Hungaroring. The C3, C4, and C5 compounds will challenge drivers on a track known for its twists and limited overtaking opportunities.
The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, the eleventh round of the 2026 F1 season, will see teams equipped with Pirelli's softest tyre options: the C3, C4, and C5 compounds. As the last race before the summer break, drivers will navigate the Hungaroring, which is often likened to a karting track due to its compact and winding layout.
Teams will have a mix of tyres at their disposal: two sets of the white-marked hard tyres, three sets of the yellow-marked medium, and a generous eight sets of the red-marked soft tyres. In case of rain, the green intermediate and blue full wet tyres are also on standby. Those lucky enough to reach Q3 in qualifying will receive an extra set of the soft compound to aid their pursuit of pole position. Race regulations require drivers to utilize at least two different types of slicks if conditions remain dry.
Pirelli's preview of the weekend highlights the significant refurbishment the Hungaroring has undergone over the past two years. The latest updates include resurfacing of Turns 1 and 12, following the previous year's improvements to the pit lane and starting grid. The circuit, just 4.381 kilometers long with 14 corners, offers a single main straight along the start-finish line, making overtaking a notable challenge.
The track's surface, with its aged sections, presents a rough texture, contributing to lower grip levels and significant track evolution over the weekend. As temperatures at the Hungaroring typically soar, tyre thermal degradation, especially on the rear axle, becomes a key concern. The softest compounds are prone to graining, adding another layer of strategy for teams to consider.
With such conditions, tyre degradation is expected to bring one-stop and two-stop race strategies into close competition concerning overall race time. The choice between these strategies will hinge on track position, particularly given the circuit's overtaking challenges. As a result, teams might lean towards using the harder compounds to mitigate tyre wear.
Following the race, Pirelli plans to stay on in Budapest for additional tyre testing with Aston Martin, Audi, and Alpine over the subsequent Tuesday and Wednesday. These tests aim to gather data for developing next season’s tyres, ensuring Pirelli continues to meet the evolving needs of Formula 1.