Bridgestone is reportedly considering a return to Formula 1 as a tyre supplier after an absence of nearly two decades, potentially challenging Pirelli’s position when the current supply agreement expires. According to information reported by RacingNews365, the Japanese manufacturer has been quietly working towards a possible comeback, with its representatives becoming increasingly active in the Formula 1 paddock.
Bridgestone has maintained a relatively low profile despite attending several Grands Prix over recent months. Its involvement became much more noticeable during the two most recent rounds in Singapore and the United States, where a senior delegation of technical experts was present. The representatives reportedly held private discussions concerning the company’s possible return to Formula 1, suggesting that its interest extends beyond preliminary observations.
Bridgestone last supplied tyres to Formula 1 at the end of the 2010 season, before Pirelli became the championship’s exclusive supplier in 2011. A potential return would therefore represent a significant development in the sport’s tyre supply arrangements, particularly with several manufacturers believed to be considering future opportunities.
Bridgestone’s Formula 1 return could challenge Pirelli after 2028
Pirelli’s current Formula 1 contract was extended in 2023 to cover the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons. The FIA subsequently exercised a one-year extension option in July 2026, ensuring that the Italian manufacturer will remain the championship’s official tyre supplier until at least the end of 2028. Any successful attempt by Bridgestone to replace Pirelli would therefore concern a future supply agreement rather than the current contract.
The process of selecting Formula 1’s tyre supplier involves a formal tender organised by the FIA. The governing body opens the bidding process, evaluates the applications and selects a preferred manufacturer. It then submits a proposal to Formula 1, allowing commercial and business negotiations to begin before the agreement is finalised.
The significance of the tyre supplier’s role extends beyond the commercial agreement itself. Tyre compounds, durability and performance characteristics influence how teams develop their cars and approach race weekends. The importance of this relationship is evident in existing development programmes, including Ferrari and Cadillac’s participation in Pirelli’s 2026 tyre development testing, where different tyre constructions and compounds were evaluated.
Bridgestone believes it can mount a stronger Formula 1 bid
Sources familiar with the situation reportedly believe Bridgestone has a realistic chance of being selected as Formula 1’s next tyre supplier. The Japanese company is understood to be preparing a technological, business and commercial proposal stronger than its previous application, which was already regarded as highly competitive.
Bridgestone has considerable experience in Formula 1. During its original involvement, which began in 1997, the manufacturer competed directly against Michelin in a tyre rivalry that continued until 2006. Bridgestone then became the championship’s exclusive supplier in 2007, maintaining that position until withdrawing after the 2010 season.
Its possible comeback would reconnect Formula 1 with a manufacturer that played an important role in the championship’s previous tyre-supplier era. However, the reported preparations do not mean that Bridgestone has secured a future contract, and any appointment would still depend on the FIA’s selection process and subsequent commercial negotiations.
Former McLaren engineer Hiroshi Imai plays a key role
One of the most significant developments behind Bridgestone’s reported ambitions concerns Hiroshi Imai, a highly experienced Japanese engineer with extensive Formula 1 knowledge. In 2025, Bridgestone reorganised its motorsport division and brought Hiroshi Imai back to lead the organisation, a move viewed as a strong indication of the company’s longer-term Formula 1 intentions.
Hiroshi Imai previously worked for Bridgestone between 1990 and 2008 before moving to McLaren. From 2009 until 2025, he held several senior engineering positions with the Woking-based team, including chief race engineer, suspension and brakes performance director and, in his later years, director of race engineering.
His expertise made him a highly respected figure within McLaren, where his departure was reportedly considered a significant loss. His experience across race engineering, vehicle performance and technical management represents an important asset for a tyre manufacturer seeking to strengthen its Formula 1 credentials.
Hiroshi Imai was among the senior Bridgestone representatives who attended the recent Grands Prix in Singapore and Austin. Several paddock sources have suggested that the company’s ambitions to return to Formula 1 were an important factor behind its decision to bring him back into the organisation.
Bridgestone already has experience across major motorsport championships
Although Hiroshi Imai’s return has attracted attention, sources familiar with Bridgestone’s activities have also emphasised that the company’s existing technological standards are already considered sufficiently advanced for Formula 1. The manufacturer remains involved in several major international motorsport categories, giving it experience across different types of racing vehicles and tyre requirements.
Bridgestone became the exclusive tyre supplier to Formula E from the 2026–27 season and maintains a presence in IndyCar through its Firestone brand. The Japanese manufacturer also competes in Super GT and other racing championships, reinforcing its position as an established supplier in high-level motorsport.
Formula 1 would nevertheless represent another major challenge, requiring a dedicated programme capable of meeting the championship’s technical and sporting demands. Existing tyre development work demonstrates the importance of adapting compounds to different operating conditions, something also reflected in Pirelli’s ongoing tyre testing with Ferrari, McLaren and other Formula 1 teams.
Michelin and Hankook could also enter the F1 tyre supplier battle
Even if Bridgestone submits a stronger proposal than in the previous selection process, the Japanese manufacturer may face substantial competition. Becoming Formula 1’s official tyre supplier offers an exceptional opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced technology while gaining worldwide exposure through one of motorsport’s most prominent platforms.
The championship also provides considerable commercial and marketing value, meaning several manufacturers could be attracted by the opportunity. As a result, the next tender could develop into a competitive contest rather than a straightforward choice between Bridgestone and the existing supplier.
Pirelli has supplied Formula 1 tyres exclusively for more than 15 years, but another attempt by the Italian manufacturer to retain the contract cannot be ruled out. Its long-standing relationship with the championship includes extensive technical development programmes, with the importance of tyre selection and race performance highlighted by the 2026 United States Grand Prix tyre strategy and compound choices.
Other manufacturers are also believed to be preparing for the next bidding process. Hankook’s interest in becoming a Formula 1 tyre supplier has been known for some time, while rumours suggest Michelin could also consider entering the competition.
The possibility of Michelin returning adds another historical dimension to the situation, given its previous rivalry with Bridgestone. For now, however, the involvement of these manufacturers remains at different stages of reported interest, and no future supplier selection has been confirmed.
With Pirelli’s current agreement running until the end of 2028, attention is increasingly turning towards what could happen afterwards. Bridgestone’s paddock presence, its motorsport restructuring and the return of Hiroshi Imai suggest that the Japanese manufacturer is taking the possibility seriously. Whether those preparations result in a successful bid will depend on the forthcoming tender and the competition from other tyre manufacturers.
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