Pirelli expects one-stop US GP strategy with soft and medium tyres
Pirelli has nominated the C2 hard, C3 medium and C4 soft compounds for the 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. The supplier anticipates a one-stop race as the primary option because the C2 enables longer stints, although high Texas temperatures could increase degradation and open other strategies.
Pirelli tyre selection for Austin
Pirelli has confirmed the C2 as hard, C3 as medium and C4 as soft compounds for the 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.[1]
The allocation returns to a consecutive range after the 2025 experiment with the C1 hard, which teams largely avoided in favour of softer options.[1]
Expected race strategy
Pirelli expects the C2 hard compound to support extended stints and make a one-stop strategy the most likely primary option.[2]
High ambient and track temperatures typical of Texas could accelerate degradation and create openings for alternative approaches.[3]
Track characteristics
COTA demands strong traction and loads both axles heavily. Front tyres face lateral stress in fast corners while rears experience thermal loads in acceleration zones. A recently resurfaced section adds another variable alongside ongoing track ageing.[1]
Related reading
- [1]What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2026 United States Grand Prix? (formula1). Accessed 2026-10-24.
- [2]Pirelli ready for Texan test as Formula 1 returns to the Circuit of the Americas (tyrepress). Accessed 2026-10-24.
- [3]Pirelli claims Tyre wear & Texas heat could shape United States Grand Prix strategies (grandprix247). Accessed 2026-10-24.