McLaren: Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri complete Nürburgring Pirelli tyre test program

Running a 2026 specification Formula 1 car already raced this season, the team focused entirely on supporting Pirelli’s future compound development, with the Italian supplier dictating the run plan and tyre selections across both days.

Piastri took to the track on Tuesday, completing 66 laps, covering 336km, and setting a fastest time of 1:35.096. His programme was interrupted by a technical issue in the afternoon, limiting his running before the team resolved the problem and returned him to the circuit later in the session.

Norris followed on Wednesday, completing a more extensive programme of 108 laps, totalling 550km, and posting a quickest lap of 1:33.640.

The test formed part of Pirelli’s annual programme, which spans up to 40 days of running, with all teams offered participation and the resulting data shared across the full Formula 1 grid to aid tyre development.

The Nürburgring outing replaced a previously scheduled test in Saudi Arabia, which was cancelled following the removal of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from the April calendar. McLaren shared track time with Mercedes, who were also due to run in Saudi Arabia.

The visit marked McLaren’s first appearance at the circuit in six years, a venue where the team has secured five wins, most recently through Lewis Hamilton in 2011.

Norris reflected on the program: “This test was a very productive two days for us. The aim was to help Pirelli with their tyre development for the future, and we provided as much detailed feedback as we could.

"It’s been a while since we’ve driven here at the Nürburgring, so it’s great to get back out on track. I've driven here in pretty much every category, so it’s cool to be able to drive it in this era of Formula 1 cars.

“After lacking some track time at the start of the season, it was good to get back behind the wheel again. Sessions like this, even if they aren't for testing our own upgrades, provide learning opportunities which are useful as we look to push forward this season.

"Time to regroup at home now and get ready for Miami," the 2025 F1 Champion concluded.

Piastri echoed the sentiment, pointing to the value of mileage despite the restrictions of tyre testing programmes.

He said: “It was good to get back in the car during this break, with the focus on helping Pirelli gather information on these tyres.

"Overall, it was a useful day. We can’t make any changes in these tests, but it’s always good to get the opportunity to make sure all systems work and to get a better understanding of the car, especially with the new regulations.

“We obviously don’t race here, but it’s still nice to experience such a unique circuit again. The Nürburgring is an old-school track with the kerbs and run-offs, which makes it more rewarding when you get things right.

"We’ll spend a bit of time back in Woking now as we prepare to go racing again in Miami," the Aussie concluded.

With the Miami Grand Prix next on the calendar, McLaren bank valuable mileage and data as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes after the enforced break. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)