Milan, Italy, July 1, 2026: Pirelli has announced the tyre compound selections for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix and Hungarian Grand Prix, confirming different strategies for two contrasting circuits on the F1 calendar.

The tyre supplier has opted for the C2, C3 and C4 compounds at the high-speed Spa-Francorchamps circuit, while the Hungarian Grand Prix will feature the softest available trio—C3, C4 and C5—for the final race before Formula 1’s traditional summer shutdown.

Belgian Grand Prix to Use Medium Tyre Range

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, scheduled for 17-19 July, will see drivers tackle the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit using the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), and C4 (Soft) compounds.

Measuring more than 7 kilometres, Spa is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar and remains one of the sport’s most historic and demanding venues.

Pirelli highlighted that the Belgian circuit places exceptionally high loads on tyres due to its combination of high-speed corners, long straights, and significant elevation changes. In terms of tyre stress, Spa ranks second only to Silverstone and Suzuka, making durability and tyre management critical throughout the race weekend.

The medium-range compound selection is designed to provide teams with a balance between performance and longevity on one of the most challenging tracks of the season.

Softest Tyres Selected for Hungarian Grand Prix

One week later, Formula 1 heads to the Hungaroring for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, taking place from 24-26 July before the championship enters its annual summer break.

For Budapest, Pirelli has chosen its softest available compound range: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), and C5 (Soft).

Although the Hungaroring does not generate the same peak cornering forces seen at circuits like Spa, its short and twisty layout subjects tyres to continuous loading throughout each lap.

The tight sequence of corners results in significant cumulative stress on the tyres, while the typically hot summer conditions in Hungary further increase thermal degradation and tyre wear.

These factors make tyre strategy a key element in determining race outcomes at one of Formula 1’s most technical circuits.

Contrasting Challenges Await Teams

The back-to-back races in Belgium and Hungary present teams with two completely different technical challenges.

At Spa-Francorchamps, tyre durability and resistance to high-speed loads will be crucial, particularly through legendary corners such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, and Blanchimont.

By contrast, the Hungaroring’s slower, more technical nature places greater emphasis on mechanical grip, tyre temperature management, and degradation over long race stints.

Pirelli’s differing compound choices reflect the unique characteristics of each circuit and are expected to influence race strategies, pit-stop timing, and overall tyre performance across both weekends.