Pirelli Locks In C2–C4 Tyre Compounds for US Grand Prix Test at COTA

Pirelli has confirmed its tyre compound selection for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, nominating the C2 hard, C3 medium and C4 soft for the October 23–25 race weekend. The choice marks a shift from last year's Sprint weekend, which used a non-consecutive C1–C3–C4 selection. Teams will now have two sets of hards, three sets of mediums and eight sets of softs available, plus an extra soft for any driver who reaches Q3 in qualifying. Intermediates and full wets are on standby if the weather turns, and at least two different slick compounds must be used in a dry race. Unlike 2025, this year's Austin weekend returns to the traditional Grand Prix format with no Sprint, giving teams three full practice sessions to dial in car balance and tyre performance. Pirelli's technical overview highlights a familiar challenge: the 5.513-kilometre circuit punishes front tyres through the fast opening sector, while the rears suffer thermal degradation accelerating out of the slower third sector. The asphalt is not especially abrasive, but the ageing surface — a short section between Turns 9 and 11 was resurfaced this year — produces significant wear. Strategy looks delicate. The C2 hard could support a one-stop race, though typically high Texas temperatures may push teams toward multi-stop plans. Last year, 13 drivers ran a medium-to-soft strategy, and Charles Leclerc secured third after starting on softs. The Austin race opens Formula 1's American triple-header, which continues in Mexico City before closing in São Paulo.