Pirelli confirms 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix tyre compounds for Baku

Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds that will be used for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku, ahead of Round 15 on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. For this year’s event, the three softest compounds in the range have been chosen: C3 as the hard option, C4 as the medium option and C5 as the soft option, which represents a step down from the 2025 selection that included the C6 (not chosen during the race last year).

Pirelli’s allocation for the weekend specifies that drivers will receive two sets of the C3 hard tyre (white marking), three sets of the C4 medium tyre (yellow marking), and eight sets of the C5 soft tyre (red marking). Alongside the slicks, teams also have access to the green intermediate tyre and the blue full wets if conditions require them during the weekend.

An additional set of soft tyres is reserved for any driver who reaches Q3 in Qualifying. Pirelli also states that, for a dry race, all drivers must use at least two different slick compounds during the race.

In its technical weekend preview, Pirelli notes that resurfacing work has affected parts of Turns 2, 3 and 4, with the new asphalt limited to specific areas. It expects the grip levels to be relatively low initially due to the street-circuit nature of the venue, while track evolution across the weekend should be significant as rubber builds up.

Pirelli adds that the relatively smooth, non-abrasive surface should lead to very low wear and degradation, making a one-stop strategy the most likely scenario. The C5 is highlighted as potentially capable of long stints, while the hard option could be overlooked by teams. The supplier also points to temperature management as a key factor, citing the circuit’s long full-throttle section and the risk of front-axle lock-ups under heavy braking, alongside shaded areas that may help limit track temperature rises.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk