Russell, Antonelli join Nurburgring Pirelli test lineup

F1 Teams Plan Pirelli Tests at Nurburgring and Fiorano During April Break

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix has left a five-week void in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, but several teams will stay sharp through a series of Pirelli tyre development tests across Europe and Japan.

Nurburgring Set for First F1 Action Since 2020

Mercedes and McLaren are scheduled to run at the Nurburgring on April 14-15 for a dry-tyre test, according to the circuit’s official announcement and Formula 1’s website. It will mark the first time F1 machinery has run at the German venue since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, won by Lewis Hamilton.nuerburgring

GPBlog reported on April 2 that all four race drivers from the two teams are set to take part: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for McLaren, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli confirmed for Mercedes. The drivers will use the Grand Prix circuit layout rather than the famed Nordschleife. The test will be held behind closed doors.gpblog

Ferrari to Run Wet-Tyre Test at Fiorano

Before the Nurburgring session, Ferrari will host a wet-tyre test at its private Fiorano circuit on April 9-10. The Maranello track’s artificial irrigation system allows Pirelli to simulate varying rainfall intensities in a controlled environment, a setup previously used during 2026 tyre development in 2025. Driver details for the upcoming Fiorano session have not yet been confirmed.pirelli

Red Bull and Racing Bulls Wrap Up Suzuka Test

Red Bull and Racing Bulls already completed a two-day test at Suzuka on March 31 and April 1, immediately following the Japanese Grand Prix. Isack Hadjar drove the Red Bull RB22 across both days, while Liam Lawson handled Racing Bulls duties on day one before handing over to rookie Arvid Lindblad on day two.motorionline

The sessions were disrupted by persistent rain. On day one, Lawson and Hadjar tested full-wet tyres before switching to intermediates as the track dried, with Hadjar completing 69 laps and Lawson managing 65. On day two, Lindblad aquaplaned into the barriers, damaging his front wing, though he returned to the car later in the afternoon and logged 51 laps to Hadjar’s 34.racingnews365

Max Verstappen was never scheduled to participate in the Suzuka test, having instead opted to prepare for the Nurburgring 24 Hours with a GT3 session at the Nordschleife earlier that week.motorsportweek

The F1 season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1-3.formula1