Formula 1 already knows Pirelli’s tire choice for the Monaco and Spain GPs. The supplier confirmed softer compounds for both stages, with a highlight for Barcelona, which will have a different selection compared to last year.
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For the traditional Monte Carlo circuit, Pirelli kept the softest choice from its range. The C3 will be the Hard, the C4 the Medium, and the C5 the Soft, repeating the configuration used in recent seasons in the Principality.
According to the manufacturer, the Monaco street track still demands maximum focus from drivers due to the close barriers and the difficulty of overtaking. The track has the lowest average speed on the calendar and the very smooth asphalt causes practically no tire degradation during the race.
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For Barcelona, Pirelli opted for compounds one level softer than those used in 2025. On the Spanish circuit, the C2 will be the Hard, the C3 the Medium, and the C4 the Soft. The intention is to encourage strategies with more pit stops throughout the race.
The Catalonia circuit is considered one of the most demanding of the season for tires, mainly due to the fast long-radius corners and the high temperatures, which increase thermal degradation. According to Pirelli, the evolution of the compound range in 2026 allowed a more aggressive choice to try to expand strategic possibilities during the GP.
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