Bridgestone has commented on its defeat in the recent tender that saw Pirelli confirmed as the sole tire supplier for the period 2025-27, extending a collaboration that has been ongoing since 2011. The Japanese company emphasized that it had communicated with honesty during negotiations with the FIA and FOM, bringing innovative technologies to the table. The interest in Formula 1 remains alive for the future.
During this week, Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed the renewal of Pirelli as the exclusive tire supplier for the period from 2025 to 2027, with an additional option for 2028, which will be evaluated at a later date. The agreement extends not only to the top category but also to Formula 2 and Formula 3, in which the Italian tire manufacturer is already present.
Formula 1 has decided to focus on continuity since Pirelli has been the sole supplier since 2011. This means that, by the end of 2027, 17 seasons will be covered by the Milan-based company. However, to reach this new agreement, the Italian company had to beat the competition from Bridgestone, which had also decided to participate in the tender opened by the FIA a few months ago to evaluate a possible return to the top category after leaving at the end of 2010.
The decision by Formula 1 came after a careful evaluation of both offers received, as both had passed the initial hurdles and received the approval of the Federation. The choice then shifted to the commercial side with the FOM, and according to reports, Bridgestone had presented a particularly enticing offer.
Until the announcement of Pirelli’s renewal, the Japanese company had always remained silent about its intention to return to Formula 1 and its plans, deferring any official statements to the subsequent months. However, after the confirmation of the rival Milanese company, Bridgestone issued a statement stating that, as part of its strengthening of motor racing activities, the return to the top open-wheel competition is a goal to pursue in the future.
Furthermore, the Japanese company believes that some advanced technologies it is developing for its road car products would also be perfect for Grand Prix racing: “As Bridgestone celebrates the 60th anniversary of its motor racing activities in 2023, the company continues to support a sustainable and top-level global motorsport.”
“Formula 1 is the world’s most prestigious global motor racing platform, and Bridgestone has studied Formula 1 as one of the various options to support its global premium motorsport strategy. Bridgestone has communicated with sincerity and continuity with the FIA and FOG regarding the upcoming F1 tire tender and innovative sustainability and technology initiatives.”
In 2019, Bridgestone launched the Enliten technology experimentally, which reduces tire weight by approximately 20% compared to the previous road tire generation, making it potentially interesting for Formula 1 as well. Thanks to the reduced weight, this would contribute to better fuel consumption and vehicle handling, not to mention that it would help reduce emissions during the shipping of various components.
Among the various applications of the Enliten technology is the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a solar-powered car event covering 3,000 kilometers in Australia, in which the Japanese company will provide tires developed using 63% recycled and renewable materials. Formula E is also moving in this direction, with sustainable tires that can be partially recycled at the end of their use in the race weekend.
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Shuichi Ishibashi, Member of the Board, Global CEO, and Representative Executive Officer of Bridgestone Corporation, stated that although the company was unable to secure victory in the recent tender, the feedback received from F1 and the FIA encouraged them to develop their technology.
“Even though Bridgestone will not be able to support Formula 1 on this occasion, the process has received positive recognition from the FIA and the FOG [Formula One Group] and has strengthened the value created by Bridgestone’s advanced innovative technology, including sustainability initiatives throughout the value chain and the ‘Ultimate Customization’ of its new ENLITEN® technology, which can be modified according to the needs of various race conditions,” the statement reads.
“Likewise, Bridgestone will continue to passionately push its technology and innovation through the mobile laboratory and testing ground that motorsport offers, reinforcing its pursuit of global and sustainable premium motorsport activities. Through its ongoing efforts, Bridgestone will promote greater passion for motorsport, gain excitement and empathy, and promote co-creation for a sustainable future together with many partners.”
The contract with Pirelli is currently valid until 2027, with an option in place for 2028 to be evaluated later.
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