Pirelli Confirms Tyre Compound Choices for Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix

Pirelli has officially confirmed the tyre compound selections for the next three rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, revealing that the medium tyre range will be used for the Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix, while the Italian Grand Prix at Monza will feature the softest compounds available.

For the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Pirelli has retained the same tyre allocation as last season, comprising the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium) and C4 (Soft) compounds. The iconic seaside circuit is known for its combination of medium and low-speed corners, including two heavily banked turns that place significant vertical and lateral loads on the tyres.

The demanding layout also requires high aerodynamic downforce, while the relatively low-grip track surface is often further compromised by sand blown onto the circuit from the nearby beaches, making tyre management a key factor over the race weekend.

The same C2, C3 and C4 compound selection has also been chosen for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will make its debut on Formula 1’s new semi-permanent street circuit in Madrid.

Known as the Madring, the new venue features 22 varied corners, dramatic elevation changes and the longest banked corner on the Formula 1 calendar. Pirelli based its tyre choice on extensive simulations using data from the circuit’s design and characteristics.

According to the Italian tyre manufacturer, the loads acting on the tyres at Madrid are expected to be similar to those experienced at high-speed circuits such as Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. The medium tyre range has therefore been selected to encourage a two-stop race strategy while offering greater protection against overheating in potentially high ambient temperatures.

For the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Pirelli has opted for the softest trio in its range—C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium) and C5 (Soft).

Monza’s high-speed nature demands low-downforce aerodynamic setups, while the time lost during a pit stop remains among the highest of the season. As a result, teams are expected to aim for a one-stop strategy by carefully managing tyre degradation. However, Pirelli believes elevated track temperatures could make extending tyre life significantly more challenging during the race.