Mercedes and McLaren will participate in crucial Pirelli tire testing at the Nürburgring during Formula 1's April break, F1i is reporting. The session marks the first F1 action at the legendary German circuit since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix.
The test comes after Pirelli's disrupted testing schedule earlier this year, when a planned pre-season session in Bahrain was cancelled due to regional instability. Mercedes and McLaren were originally slated to participate in that cancelled Bahrain test and will now run at the Nürburgring instead.
F1i reports the teams' involvement represents a standalone test chosen for logistical convenience, given the circuit's proximity to several European F1 team bases. For both teams, the outing offers valuable data-gathering opportunities during the enforced racing break caused by the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to Middle East events.
Historic Return to the Ring
The Nürburgring holds special significance in F1 history, having hosted races under various titles including the German, European, and Luxembourg Grand Prix. However, consistent appearances ended after 2013, with the circuit's most recent cameo coming during the pandemic-affected 2020 season.
According to Autosport's analysis of the enforced break, teams are using the month-long hiatus to work through potential tweaks to regulations and reduce pressure on overextended workforces. Pirelli has been working to recover lost ground after the disrupted schedule, with a recent test at Suzuka with Red Bull Racing providing initial data.
Racing resumes with the Miami Grand Prix in early May, giving Pirelli and the teams crucial development time before F1 returns to its regular calendar rhythm.