Two days after the conclusion of the 2025 season, F1 teams switched all focus to 2026’s new era. At Yas Marina Circuit, the traditional post-season test had a dual purpose this time.
Each team took to the track with one mule car to test Pirelli’s new 2026 tyres. The mule cars are still ground-effect machinery, but have been modified to mimic next year’s downforce levels – mainly by changing the wing levels (Monza style) and ride height. The other 10 cars were allocated to rookies in the young drivers’ test.
