Lewis Hamilton completed 884km wet tyre test for Pirelli at Fiorano

Hamilton logs nearly 900km in Fiorano

Pirelli has revealed details of Lewis Hamilton’s two-day wet-weather tyre test at Ferrari’s 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 — or 155 laps — 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 Ferrari’s 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 “blind” 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

Hamilton’s 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: Nürburgring dry tyre test

Pirelli’s development schedule continues ahead of Formula 1’s return at the Miami Grand Prix. A two-day dry-weather tyre test is planned at the Nürburgring on April 14–15.

McLaren and Mercedes are set to participate, with both teams running their regular race drivers as tyre development progresses.