Pirelli triumphs in debate over F1 wheel size

Pirelli emerges victorious in securing 18-inch wheel size for Formula 1's forthcoming regulatory changes starting from 2026.

Initiatives were underway to reduce the wheel size, aiming at decreasing the overall weight of the current generation of significantly heavy vehicles.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the exclusive tyre supplier for the sport has effectively countered the proposal to switch to 16-inch wheels.

"There will be some changes in the width of the tyres," Michael Schmidt has reported.

Pirelli's argument was that larger wheels contribute to better heat dissipation. In a compromise, the front wheels of the 2026 vehicles will be slightly slimmer, aiming to cut down on resistance in line with the new engine regulations . . .