Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds and allocations for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, which will feature the introduction of the Sprint race format at the Marina Bay Circuit. The tyre supplier announced that the three softest compounds—C3 (hard), C4 (medium), and C5 (soft)—will be used, continuing the same range as the previous year.
For the first time in Singapore, the Sprint race will influence tyre strategy and allocations. Each driver will have 12 sets of dry tyres instead of the usual 13, with a breakdown of 2 hard, 4 medium, and 6 soft sets. Additionally, the allocation includes 6 green intermediates and 3 blue full wets for wet conditions. This adjustment reflects the new Sprint weekend regulations and their impact on tyre management.
The Marina Bay Circuit is a 4.940-kilometre street track featuring 19 corners and a surface with medium to high roughness. Track evolution is expected to play a significant role throughout the weekend. Night race conditions typically see track temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, which allows tyres to operate within their optimal temperature window without overheating concerns.
According to Pirelli, mechanical stress on the tyres is moderate, with degradation primarily arising from rear axle traction phases. Graining and excessive wear are not anticipated to be major factors limiting race management. The preferred race strategy is expected to remain a one-stop approach, largely due to the time loss in the pit lane and the likelihood of multiple neutralisations during the race.
While the hard and medium compounds are projected to be the main tyres used during the race, the soft C5 compound may see increased usage, particularly in the Sprint race and potentially in the main event. The latest generation of Formula 1® cars is better equipped to exploit softer compounds thanks to improved aerodynamics and temperature management, which could allow for longer and more competitive stints on soft tyres.
This tyre selection and allocation reflect Pirelli’s technical assessment ahead of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, offering teams and drivers a clear framework for managing tyre performance under the new Sprint race format and the unique demands of the Marina Bay street circuit.