Pirelli’s second tyre test session of 2025 took part at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, with McLaren and Ferrari taking part in the development of the new 2026 tyres.

Following last week’s wet tyre testing at Paul Ricard, this time the focus shifted to slick tyres, with engineers assessing different constructions and compounds from the harder end of the range, specifically C1 to C3, which are well-suited to Barcelona’s high-degradation track.

Three race drivers were on duty for the opening day, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton shared Ferrari’s SF-24, while Lando Norris handled McLaren’s adapted MCL60. By the end of the session, a total of 332 laps had been completed, with Norris covering the most distance, running 159 laps and setting the fastest time of the day with a 1:15.215. Hamilton completed 87 laps with a best time of 1:15.930, while Leclerc managed 86 laps, his quickest lap stopping the clock at 1:16.060.

The second and final day of testing continued under similar conditions, but with Oscar Piastri taking over from Norris in the McLaren. Leclerc and Hamilton once again split driving duties for Ferrari, with the Monegasque driver running in the morning and the seven-time world champion taking over in the afternoon.

With both teams following Pirelli’s testing programme, which prioritized data collection rather than outright lap times, the overall mileage remained high, totaling 300 laps across the day. Piastri completed the most with 152, setting a best time of 1:15.815, while Leclerc and Hamilton each completed 74 laps, with Leclerc posting the fastest time of the day at 1:14.971, significantly quicker than his previous best. Hamilton, meanwhile, managed a 1:16.759, though the times were largely irrelevant given the different test runs being performed.

Over the two days of testing, a total of 632 laps were completed. This gave the F1 tyre supplier plenty of data to analyse as they continue developing the tyres for 2026.

Pirelli’s testing programme continues next week at Jerez Circuit, where Alpine will participate on both days, while McLaren and Mercedes will run one day each. The final pre-season test before the new cars hit the track will take place in Bahrain on March 2 and 3, featuring Alpine and Williams. The same venue will then host the only collective three-day test ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.