The Pirelli test program in Barcelona has been completed for Ferrari and McLaren, both on track yesterday at Montmelò. Positive signs emerged from the two Ferrari drivers
148 laps. This is the key figure from yesterday’s preliminary test day for Ferrari. Following Lewis Hamilton’s off-track excursion and subsequent crash a few days ago, the Scuderia was back in action, aiming to further refine the development of its 2025 car. According to sources close to Vasseur’s Ferrari, the data collected in Barcelona is considered “positive.” Both drivers completed 74 laps each, though likely following different programs, and despite using Pirelli’s 2026 prototype tires, the results are promising.
It wasn’t just Ferrari in action in Catalonia—the defending champions, McLaren, also took part, with Oscar Piastri behind the wheel. Despite running different programs, early lap times from Spain indicate Ferrari had the edge over McLaren. Piastri clocked a 1:15.815 (with teammate Lando Norris having driven on February 4th), completing an impressive 152 laps—nearly three full Spanish Grand Prix distances (a typical Barcelona race consists of 66 laps). In comparison, Ferrari saw Leclerc post a 1:14.971, while Hamilton was significantly slower at 1:16.759.
Mario Isola’s statement: “A useful session”
Mario Isola, head of Pirelli’s F1 tire supply, shared his thoughts on the Barcelona tests conducted by Ferrari and McLaren. These sessions were crucial in gathering further insights on the 2026 tires, the real focus of the two-day test. Speaking to Sky Sport, Isola commented:
“It was a very useful session, allowing us to compare different tire constructions ahead of the next season, as well as test some compounds from the harder end of the range.”
““The Barcelona circuit is traditionally one of the most demanding for tires, both in terms of forces applied and degradation. The data collected over these two intense days will be highly valuable in the ongoing development of this generation of tires. It’s a very demanding start to the season, with four testing sessions scheduled before the championship even begins, and I want to thank all the teams working with us, as we know how intense this period is”.
Photo: Pirelli Motorsport
