Lewis Hamilton completed 884km wet tyre test for Pirelli at Fiorano
Hamilton logs nearly 900km in Fiorano
Pirelli has revealed details of Lewis Hamiltonâs two-day wet-weather tyre test at Ferrariâs Fiorano circuit, where the seven-time world champion put the 2026-spec SF-26 through an intensive development programme.
Fiorano is one of the few European tracks capable of being artificially wetted, allowing Pirelli to properly evaluate its intermediate and full wet compounds. Over two days of running, Hamilton completed a total of 884km, equivalent to 297 laps, with 461km â or 155 laps â covered on the second day alone. His best time across the test was a 1:00.470.
Strict testing framework under Pirelli control
Although Hamilton was driving Ferrariâs 2026 car, the regulations governing such tests are tightly controlled. Ferrari was not permitted to trial upgrades or assess alternative engines or car settings.
Instead, Pirelli dictated the entire run plan, with Hamilton running effectively âblindâ and reporting feedback directly to the tyre supplier. The focus was purely on tyre development rather than car performance evaluation.
Focus on full wet and intermediate Cinturato prototypes
Hamiltonâs programme began with evaluation of prototype full wet Cinturato tyres, featuring a revised tread design. This specification had previously been tested by Red Bull and Racing Bulls at Suzuka following the Japanese Grand Prix.
A key objective of the Fiorano test was to assess the crossover point between the full wet and intermediate tyres. Hamilton therefore also conducted running on the intermediate compound to help Pirelli refine the operating window between the two specifications.
Next stop: NĂŒrburgring dry tyre test
Pirelliâs development schedule continues ahead of Formula 1âs return at the Miami Grand Prix. A two-day dry-weather tyre test is planned at the NĂŒrburgring on April 14â15.
McLaren and Mercedes are set to participate, with both teams running their regular race drivers as tyre development progresses.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.