Pirelli has revealed the compounds that will be used at the Monaco GP and added a new strategic element for the teams in the sixth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The traditional race on the streets of the Principality remains one of the biggest challenges on the calendar, demanding absolute precision in strategy and execution.
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While much of the championship discussions have revolved around engines and power unit rules, Monaco once again puts the focus on factors such as tire management and track positioning. The 3.337 km circuit, with its 19 narrow and technical corners, will again host the new generation F1 cars.
For the race, Pirelli chose the three softest compounds from its 2026 range: C3, C4, and C5. According to the Italian manufacturer, the decision was made to maximize grip on the extremely smooth asphalt of the Monaco layout.
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Some sections of the circuit received new pavement for this year, including the area between turns 19 and 1, the sector between turn 7 and the tunnel entrance, as well as the pit lane entries and exits. Pirelli admits that the new asphalt may slightly increase the possibility of tire graining, but does not expect significant impacts on the overall behavior of the compounds, as Monaco mainly demands traction from the cars.
Historically, the low tire degradation turns the Monaco GP into a one-stop race. The main exception occurred in 2025, when the FIA introduced an experimental rule requiring drivers to use at least three sets of tires during the race, which in practice required two pit stops. The measure was abandoned for 2026, with the return of the traditional race format on the streets of Monte Carlo.
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