F1 is to return to the Nurburgring next week in a two-day tyre test involving the Mercedes and McLaren teams.
Pirelli runs on-track testing with teams across the season to gather real-world data to give direction into tyre development, although teams selected are effectively blind whilst they complete their running.
The tyre manufacturer essentially rents a team for the test, with the participants not aware of any compound Pirelli is testing with run-plans directed by Pirelli.
The test marks F1's return to the Nurburgring for the first time since the one-off 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, which was run after the calendar was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cars are set to be on-track across April 14th-15th.
RacingNews365 understands that Mercedes will be running regular race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli whilst McLaren will also field its regular duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Between 2009 and 2013, the circuit hosted the German Grand Prix on alternating years with Hockenheim, doing so in odd-numbered years before Hockenheim became the sole host in 2014, continuing with its even-numbered slots until 2018, with a final race being held in 2019, at the behest of Mercedes as it celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Ferrari is also set to be in testing action for Pirelli during the April break, with a two-day wet tyre test at Fiorano, replacing the cancelled running in Bahrain due to the outbreak of the Iran War.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Nick Golding and Sam Coop as they dissect the biggest talking points in the world of Formula 1! In this week's episode, the start of the FIA's meetings over the new regulations is discussed, as is whether F1 would miss Max Verstappen.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..













Join the conversation!