F1 drivers criticise Pirelli wet tyres after Sao Paulo

Several Formula 1 drivers have said Pirelli's wet-weather tyres are not yet good enough after their first major competitive use this season. Qualifying and the grand prix at Sao Paulo were both affected by wet conditions, requiring the extreme full wet tyre to be used in competition for the first time in 2026, and the race was run wet-dry-wet.

Mercedes driver George Russell said the tyres had performed substantially better than expected, while noting that the tracks used so far had been hot, even in the rain. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, a GPDA director, disagreed, saying the intermediate and wet tyres were not good enough and that work with Pirelli was needed, particularly on rear grip and aquaplaning.

Williams team-mate Alex Albon described the wet tyre as really poor and the intermediate as semi-sensible, saying it overheats immediately and that a better wet tyre is needed for next year.