Pirelli will run an unusual wet-weather tire test at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 28 to March 1 to evaluate and improve its full-wet and intermediate compounds for 2026 development. The program is a response to driver complaints that the current full-wet has been difficult or effectively unusable. Pirelli’s stated objective is to shorten the crossover time between full-wet and intermediate so the full-wet becomes a viable strategic option rather than a last resort.

The two-day test will use McLaren and Mercedes mule cars, fitted with 2026-like prototype tires matched to the revised 18-inch-wheel F1 cars. Pirelli will evaluate both intermediate and full-wet compounds and adjust constructions and compounds to suit new car dynamics. This will include narrower front and rear tires, higher acceleration forces, and sudden vertical loads when straight-line mode deactivates.

Bahrain was chosen because its abrasive, high-severity surface will place greater stress on wet rubber and is expected to reveal wear modes and weaknesses that do not appear on European tracks with a permanent sprinkler system. The environment should produce tougher, more representative data for development and race strategy. Pirelli plans three wet sessions in 2026 (Bahrain, Fiorano, and either Paul Ricard or Magny-Cours), and noted that sweeping regulation changes have left it with limited usable data from current cars.

Wetting the circuit presents a logistical challenge, as sources differ on the method. Some say Bahrain lacks conventional sprinkler tanks and organizers coordinating an alternative full-track wetting system. Other reports suggest that the circuit can be uniformly wet using a full-track sprinkler system, and Pirelli says consistent water levels are essential because inconsistent wetting could skew results. Pirelli is limited to a maximum of 40 testing days, which increases the importance of each wet session. The Bahrain data will directly influence 2026 tire specifications, including whether to retain separate intermediate and full-wet compounds or consolidate to a single “super intermediate.” Pirelli is proceeding with targeted testing even as its future supply position remains under scrutiny.

Ferrari moved Riccardo Adami into a role with the Ferrari Driver Academy earlier this month, leaving Lewis Hamilton without a named race engineer as winter testing began. That timing has raised concern that the gap could hinder Hamilton’s integration and pre-season preparation.

Former driver-turned-pundit Karun Chandhok said he was “confused and concerned,” warning that the absence of a winter-built relationship between Hamilton and a dedicated engineer was “ringing alarm bells.” Chandhok and other commentators emphasized that a stable driver–engineer bond is crucial for rapid, reliable feedback and in-race decision-making, noting Hamilton’s strong past partnership with Peter Bonnington.

The provisional arrangement was apparent at the Barcelona shakedown, where Charles Leclerc’s race engineer Bryan Bozzi doubled up and ran Hamilton’s SF-26 while the team organized the change. Hamilton took over the car in the afternoon, completed 57 laps and recorded an unofficial wet-condition best of 1:32.872; the doubling-up highlighted that the current setup is temporary.

Commentators and former drivers said Ferrari missed an opportunity over the winter to build rapport through simulator days or private runs and suggested Hamilton may need extra simulator or additional track time to catch up if a new pairing is finalized late. Speculation has focused on Cédric Grosjean as Hamilton’s likely replacement, with multiple reports saying Ferrari intends to sign him but may have to wait until his post-McLaren gardening leave ends. Reports differ on his exact McLaren role: some describe him as a lead trackside performance figure, while others link him more directly to Oscar Piastri or to a race-engineer capacity. Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater and other outlets noted there is no official confirmation from Ferrari, and commentators warned that appointing a late or inexperienced engineer could hamper Hamilton’s adaptation under the sport’s new technical rules. Ferrari declined further comment, saying it would provide an update when there was a development.