Pirelli selects softer tyre range for 2026 Sao Paulo GP

Pirelli has selected the C3, C4 and C5 compounds for the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, assigning them as hard, medium and soft respectively. The choice moves towards the softer end of the range compared with the 2025 event, when Pirelli offered the C2, C3 and C4.

Tyre degradation was one of the key technical factors at the 2025 Sao Paulo race, Pirelli says. The C3 and C4 showed significant degradation, although both still allowed competitive stints; the most effective strategy was a two-stop race, according to Pirelli.

Resurfacing work was carried out in 2026 between Turns 3 and 5 and between Turns 8 and 9 at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. Pirelli says those new areas could alter grip and track evolution during the weekend, particularly tyre behaviour over longer runs. The three practice sessions will give teams an opportunity to assess the new surface's effects on degradation and wear.

Drivers will have two sets of hard tyres, three sets of medium and eight sets of soft, with an extra set of softs for those who reach Q3. Intermediate and full wet tyres are available if needed; in a dry race, every driver must use at least two different slick compounds.