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.

Max Verstappen and George Russell were “fortunately” allowed to skip the post-season test, to use the Dutchman’s own words. Instead, Red Bull put Isack Hadjar in the mule car to give him an early feel for the 2026 rubber, with Ayumu Iwasa serving as its rookie. Next year’s F1 deb

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