Formula 1's softest tyre, the C6, will not return in 2026 as Pirelli's finalised its range of compounds for next season.
Pirelli has completed analysis of its last test session in Mexico City - one of several conducted throughout the year - to establish the compounds for the first season of the new regulations.
Tyre development was carried out using forecast data supplied by the teams, using simulations that are based on the predicted loads and speeds of the cars by the end of 2026.
In 2026 there will be five dry tyre compounds, ranging from the hardest C1 compound to the softest C5 tyre.
The C6, which was introduced at Imola earlier this year and brought to Monaco, Montreal and Baku to try and provide more strategic variation, will not return.
Pirelli said: "Particular attention has been paid to performance differences between the compounds in terms of laptime, so as to ensure a wide and consistent delta between them, to deliver more strategy options.
"The decision not to validate the sixth and softest compound, the C6, was taken precisely because it was impossible to meet this delta requirement."
The data from Pirelli's recent tests showed the C5 and C6 gap as simply too small compared to the other compounds.
A one-day test will be conducted on the Tuesday after Abu Dhabi with all the teams.
They'll be supplied with sets of C2-C5 compounds and current race drivers will drive in 'mule' cars - current F1 cars adapted to bring them closer to the expected downforce levels produced in 2026.
As ever, they'll be joined by young drivers driving the 2025 cars with current tyres.
