Although no Grands Prix are being held in April, Mercedes and McLaren are still in action this week. Both teams traveled to the Nürburgring for a Pirelli tire test. On Tuesday, George Russell and Oscar Piastri were already spotted on the circuit. It is striking that both F1 teams have specifically diverted to the Nürburgring; the notorious German track has not hosted a Grand Prix since 2020, but is back in the spotlight partly thanks to Max Verstappen.
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On Tuesday morning, images already appeared on the internet of Oscar Piastri chasing his MCL40 across the Nürburgring. McLaren and Mercedes are putting in the miles this week on behalf of Pirelli, which is testing new compounds for the 2027 F1 season. Due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, no Grands Prix are scheduled for April, but that doesn’t stop Formula 1 from taking action elsewhere. Earlier, Ferrari already tested new rain tires at its own Fiorano circuit.
Nürburgring
It should be clear that Mercedes and McLaren are not using the Nordschleife, the extremely long ribbon of asphalt on which Max Verstappen recently participated in an NLS race. The F1 teams are limiting themselves to the Grand Prix circuit, which has the required FIA licenses and has served as the backdrop for several F1 races in the past. For example, the Eifel Grand Prix was held here during the 2020 corona season.
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This Pirelli test is a welcome boost for the circuit and German motorsport. Since the Eifel GP, our eastern neighbors have not been able to welcome Formula 1. This may change in the future, not only through such tests but also through the influence of Max Verstappen. The Dutchman is a fan of the Nürburgring and has tested frequently on the circuit in recent months. He also saw action during NLS2, in preparation for his participation in the 24-hour race in May. This coming weekend, he will also participate in the qualifying races at the Nürburgring, together with teammate Lucas Auer.
Piastri is currently at the Nürburgring doing the Pirelli tyre test pic.twitter.com/4cKBIBBIFd
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— Holiness (@F1BigData) April 14, 2026
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