McLaren and Alpine hit Jerez as Pirelli’s 2026 tire tests continue, with O’Ward and Gasly gathering crucial data on slick compounds.
The third Pirelli F1 test session of 2025 began yesterday at the Circuito de Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, featuring Alpine F1 and McLaren F1. McLaren had already taken part in the year’s first two tests at Le Castellet and Barcelona.
As in last week’s session in Catalonia, the focus was on developing slick tire solutions for the 2026 range. Teams tested various combinations of constructions and compounds, ranging from C2 to C4.
Throughout the day, Patricio O’Ward took to the track in the MCL60, while Pierre Gasly drove the Alpine A523, both modified mule versions of their respective 2023 cars.
The Mexican driver completed 153 laps, while the Frenchman logged 157. Their fastest recorded laps were 1’19”484 for O’Ward and 1’18”092 for Gasly, though these times hold little significance given Pirelli’s distinct testing programs with each team.
Testing at the Circuito Angel Nieto continues today with a partial driver change. As planned, McLaren will be replaced by Mercedes, with George Russell behind the wheel. The Briton will run alongside Alpine, where Jack Doohan will take over the French team’s car.
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Jerez F1 Test: O’Ward & Gasly Trial 2026 Pirelli Tires Jerez F1 Test: O’Ward & Gasly Trial 2026 Pirelli Tires
