Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds and allocations for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Baku City Circuit. The Italian tyre manufacturer will supply the three softest compounds from its range, specifically the C3 hard, C4 medium, and C5 soft tyres, for all teams and drivers participating in the fifteenth round of the Formula 1® season.
This selection marks a slight change from the previous year’s allocation, which included the softer C6 compound that ultimately was not used during the race. For the 2026 event, each driver will receive two sets of hard tyres, three sets of medium tyres, and eight sets of soft tyres. Additionally, drivers who qualify for Q3 in the qualifying session will be granted an extra set of soft tyres to aid their final runs. Pirelli will also provide the green intermediate and blue full wet tyres should weather conditions require their use.
The Baku City Circuit has undergone some resurfacing work on sections of Turns 2, 3, and 4 ahead of the event. However, Pirelli expects these changes to have minimal impact on tyre behaviour. The circuit’s smooth and low-abrasion asphalt typically results in low tyre wear and degradation, which suggests that a one-stop race strategy could be the most likely approach if the track remains dry.
The softest C5 compound is expected to allow for longer stints, similar to its recent performance at Monza, while the hard compound may see less use during the race. Early sessions could see some graining due to the low grip levels, but this is not anticipated to significantly affect overall performance. Managing tyre temperatures will be a key factor, especially given the circuit’s long full-throttle sections that promote tyre cooling and the potential for front-axle lock-ups under heavy braking.
Ambient temperatures in Baku are generally warm, but shaded areas along the street circuit limit how much the track temperature can rise. Over the course of the weekend, track evolution is expected to be significant as rubber builds up, which could influence grip levels and tyre behaviour.
Under the current regulations, drivers must use at least two different slick tyre compounds during the race if the track remains dry. This rule adds a strategic element to tyre management and pit stop decisions, although the low degradation characteristics of the Baku surface might reduce the number of stops required.
Pirelli’s confirmed tyre allocation and the resurfacing work at the Baku City Circuit provide a clear framework for teams and drivers to prepare their strategies for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The smooth asphalt and tyre choices suggest a race where tyre management and temperature control will be important considerations throughout the weekend.