Since 2007, Formula 1 has only awarded exclusive contracts to tire manufacturers. And it should remain so in the future. Two manufacturers in the sport would only start a fierce competition, leading to an explosion in terms of costs. Suppliers are no longer involved. Until 2010, the task was fulfilled by Bridgestone. Pirelli has been providing various tire compounds for Formula 1 since the 2011 season. The contract of the Italian company, who is also one of the series partners, runs until 2024.
Pirelli is interested in extending the contract with the FIA and Formula 1. But it looks like the Italian company is facing competition. Bridgestone of all people is very interested in returning to Formula 1 from 2025, according to paddock rumours reported by German magazine AMuS. The hype surrounding the Champions League competition of motorsport has not passed unnoticed by the Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone, which is therefore considering a comeback.
Prospect of more income
Liberty Media are rubbing their hands. Two applicants would automatically put F1’s owner in a better negotiating position. You could first get an offer from one side and thus possibly lure the second candidate to come with a better deal. In the best case, the candidates will drive up the price. It is said that Pirelli is currently paying between 30 and 40 million US dollars annually. The Formula 1 management would of course like to take more in the future.
In a first step, the FIA started the tender for the tires from 2025 to 2027 on March 20th. With an option for another season in 2028. The contract not only includes Formula 1. Whoever is awarded the contract must, as is currently the case, also equip the junior series Formula 2 and Formula 3 with tires.
Interested parties have until mid-May to submit their application. This will then be subjected to an intensive examination by the FIA with regard to the technical aspects, which should be completed by mid-June. After that, it would be the turn of F1’s owner to negotiate the commercial framework. At Pirelli, it is expected that a decision about the supplier could be made between 2025 and the summer break in August. FIA and Formula 1 must agree on the candidate.
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Certain advantages for Pirelli
Pirelli has publicly stated that it would like to continue, but has not yet submitted an application. The Italians have to study the details first. The tender document should be around 50 pages long. “We invest a lot of money and resources in Formula 1,” said Pirelli’s motorsport director Mario Isola at the official press conference on the sidelines of the Australian Grand Prix. “We are happy to be in Formula 1. The sport is healthy and in a good position. We would like to make it even better with the FIA, Formula 1 and the drivers.”
Bridgestone should have the technical know-how and infrastructure to build tires for Formula 1 and its junior series. But Pirelli has a few advantages on its side. The Italians have always put themselves at the service of the premier class since 2011 and tried to implement every requirement of the product. Even if the wishes of Formula 1 did not always coincide with the ideas of the tire supplier.
When Bernie Ecclestone asked for a tire to be developed that quickly deteriorated during a race, Pirelli supplied it. And endured criticism from teams and drivers. So the FIA and Formula 1 management know what they have in Pirelli. Especially since the requirements for the product of the future should remain similar to today. The tires should have a wide working window, not overheat too quickly and still open up strategic options.
Bridgestone with F1 history
Bridgestone would have to live with the disadvantage of designing new tires from the drawing board twice within a short period of time. For 2025 and then directly for 2026. Then Formula 1 will switch to new cars with a different engine concept. The importance of the electrical component is gradually increasing. This will also require an adjustment to the product. The tires for 2026 will probably be narrower again.
For the future, the FIA would like electronic tire identification. Of course, the sustainability of the product also plays an important role. Formula 1 wants to reduce its impact on the environment. The tender states: “The successful bidder must demonstrate best practice and innovation, taking into account the full life cycle of the tyres.”
Bridgestone has a long history with Formula 1. The Japanese tire manufacturer first appeared on the GP circuit in 1976. That was at the Japanese GP. The last race was contested in Abu Dhabi in 2010. Cars on Bridgestone tires claimed 175 wins and 168 pole positions.
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