Allison: 2026 Pirelli tyres quite a step worse

Formula 1 will debut a new set of regulations in 2026 that will cover both the chassis and power unit sides of cars, with new narrower tyres also part of the change.

The new cars will be powered by V6 turbo-hybrids running on sustainable fuels, while the power delivery will come from the Internal Combustion Engine and the electrical components on a 50/50 ratio.

As for the chassis, downforce will not be generated via ground effect, while the cars will have moveable aero parts aiming at reducing drag, especially on straights, as current simulations show the 2026 power units will not have enough power to propel the cars at the end of straights, especially at power-sensitive tracks.

Speaking to Nextgen Auto, Allison, whose Mercedes team is tipped to deliver a strong power unit in 2026, explained the difference those new units will bring compared to the current ones.

"Some things are going to change for the better," he revealed. "The rather unfortunate formula of very high engine loads at the end of the straight will disappear.

"We will have much more moderate loads at the end of the straight, which will be beneficial for everyone. But other things will evolve in a more delicate direction."

But then the British engineer tackled another aspect of the new regulations, which is the new narrower tyres that also aim to reduce drag and weight.

He added: "Of course, you'll have to master the new chassis and the new aerodynamics as best you can; that's the number one factor. But it's still the tyres at the end of the chain that have to absorb everything you do.

"Having smaller tyres to reduce drag means the tyre is working harder," he went on. "While we still want to run at very low tyre temperatures, without a heat blanket, as required by the regulations, Pirelli will still need to create a rubber that can handle the track well at lower temperatures than current tyres.

"So I would say it will probably be as important next year as it was this year, even though some aspects have changed for the better."

Commenting on recent tyre tests that Pirelli conducted with the teams to test their 2026 prototypes as drivers involved did not have positive things to say about, Allison said: "A number of drivers have driven the 2026 tyres, which are going to be narrower tyres to try and help reduce the drag

"That was a bit of a challenge compared to the wide tyres we have today. It was quite a step worse with the tyres, naturally, because they’re just much more narrow.

"Hopefully they will be improved over the coming months," he concluded.