Formula 1 announces major changes for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix

Formula 1 has confirmed that the second practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix will be extended by 30 minutes, bringing the total time to 90 minutes. This change allows teams and drivers to take part in the Pirelli tire test for the 2025 season.

The sport’s official tire supplier, Pirelli, has also used such a provision in the past when drivers tested prototype 2023 tires at the 2022 United States Grand Prix in Austin, which took a total of 90 minutes.

Pirelli intends to collect test data to further develop the tires before Formula 1 begins its final season in the ground effect era. All three training sessions usually last 60 minutes. However, the second training session in Mexico was extended for this purpose. The teams will continue to prepare regularly for the Mexican GP weekend, as well as to meet Pirelli’s testing requirements.

Formula 1 teams are more keen to test the 2026 tire after Aston Martin recently test drove its 2023 AMR23 F1 mule in Barcelona. With a new era of regulations starting in 2026, F1 cars will use smaller and lighter tires than current cars to encourage close competition.

The test was carried out despite the fact that the F1 technical regulations for 2026 had not been finalized, so the exact aerodynamic loads had not been determined. Pirelli decided not to delay the test, focusing on collecting the key data needed to develop the tires.

Pirelli plans to reduce the width of the front tires by 25 mm and the rear tires by 30 mm. The tire diameter will also be reduced, moving from 720 mm to a range of 705-710 mm. However, the current era’s 18-inch rims will remain unchanged.

Pirelli recognized the challenge of balancing fairness as it had to work with the tire testing team while ensuring it did not gain an unfair competitive advantage.

As a result, Aston Martin was selected for the test through a lottery as several teams expressed interest in signing up for the test. Explaining the process, Pirelli motor racing boss Mario Isola told the media:

“There was a selection process – or lottery – because many teams wanted to participate in this testing program. We were drawn first, so we were the first to do it.”

Added:

“Of course, on the one hand, they (FIA) don’t want to give anyone an advantage.

“On the other hand, we need to have cars that are as representative as possible of the situation in 2026. Together with the teams, we will select a representative downforce level.

“But this is the first test. We will test the baseline to see if the balance is correct. Of course, we have simulations and tests in closed rooms and, as usual, we have already made the data available to all teams. After the test, we intend to distribute the report also to the teams.”

McLaren and Alpine are expected to take part in the first phase of mule car testing, with the remaining teams joining in later stages of the development program.