F1 Explains: Tyres - what's new for 2026 and how Pirelli get drivers on track

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Is it tyres or tires? Either way, they're very important. The temperature and condition of a driver's tyres have a huge impact on their performance. 2026 sees all-new tires in F1, so what's changed? How do Pirelli choose which tyres to bring to each Grand Prix? How does the company and the FIA ensure tire fairness? Pirelli is the Official Tyre Supplier of Formula 1. The company's Head of Motorsport, Mario Isola, joins Christian Hewgill to answer your questions. Mario explains what's different about this season's rubber, the number of tires Pirelli brings to each race and how they are allocated to the drivers. Why don't F1 tyres have tread? Do all types of tire weigh the same? Who pays for them? Mario has the answers. Send us your questions for episodes on race strategy and race engineers F1Explains@F1.com F1 Nation - Japanese GP Preview out now. Race review coming Monday on this feed F1 Beyond The Grid - Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu on the team's ambitions