Formula 1 is set to stick with an 18-inch tyre size when the new technical regulations come into force in 2026 after a possible switch to 16 inches was rejected.
The smaller rim size was under consideration largely as part of ongoing efforts by the FIA to reduce the overall weight of the 2026 cars. However, the change was opposed by Pirelli both for reasons of practicality and because of the potential marketing impact. F1 switched from 13 to 18 inches in 2022, mirroring the trend of the wider car industry, and a reduction is seen as a backwards step in terms of both the image of the sport and technology transfer.
Pirelli tyre and wheel detail on a McLaren MCL38 Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images 'We have to change because the new car is different, and in any case, we have to design a smaller tyre. 'The discussion is between 16 and 18-inch tyres. And our preference is to stay on 18-inch tyres. And I believe that there are valid reasons to stay on 18-inch, with smaller tyres, but still the same rim.