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Testing Insights: Teams Face Downforce Challenges for 2026

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Testing continues at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi after the 2025 Formula 1 season concluded.
All 20 cars will participate, with rookies joining the traditional post-season young driver test.
Pirelli's Mario Isola noted significant variation in teams' predicted downforce levels for 2026, complicating tire design.
The mule cars, modified 2025 models to simulate lower downforce, support the test to help Pirelli select suitable tire compounds for next season.

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Story summary

Testing continues at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi after the 2025 Formula 1 season concluded.
All 20 cars will participate, with rookies joining the traditional post-season young driver test.
Pirelli's Mario Isola noted significant variation in teams' predicted downforce levels for 2026, complicating tire design.
The mule cars, modified 2025 models to simulate lower downforce, support the test to help Pirelli select suitable tire compounds for next season.