F1 | Pirelli celebrates 500 Grands Prix: what to expect in the Netherlands and at Monza
Pirelli is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Italian tire manufacturer will reach its 500th Grand Prix as an official presence on the starting grid, and the moment will be marked with several important initiatives both at Zandvoort and at Monza. The Dutch Grand Prix will feature the first celebrations, while the Italian Grand Prix will host the main event, making this double-header a special occasion for Formula 1 fans and teams alike.
The story of Pirelli in Formula 1 began in 1950, at the very first championship race held at Silverstone. Since then, the Milan-based company has played a central role in the sport across different eras, eventually becoming the exclusive Global Tyre Partner of Formula 1 in 2011. With Zandvoort marking the company’s 500th race, the achievement underlines Pirelli’s long-lasting connection with the world’s most prestigious racing series and its ability to adapt through decades of technological change and evolving regulations.
A journey that started in 1950
It all began on Saturday, 13 May 1950, when the Formula 1 World Championship officially got underway with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. That day, Alfa Romeo and four Maserati cars chose to run on Pirelli tires. The outcome became part of motorsport legend: Italian driver Nino Farina claimed victory, followed by Luigi Fagioli and British driver Reg Parnell, completing an all-Pirelli podium with Alfa Romeo.
From that very first race, Pirelli established itself as a key player in Formula 1. The company’s history on the grid has included multiple phases: from 1950 to 1958, then from 1981 to 1991 (with the exceptions of 1987 and 1988), and finally from 2011 to today, when it became the sole official tire supplier. Over the years, the Italian brand has provided not only high-performance compounds but also constant innovation to meet the ever-changing demands of Formula 1 technology. The milestone of 500 races is therefore not just a number, but a symbol of resilience and excellence in motorsport engineering.
Special celebrations at Zandvoort and Monza
Pirelli’s anniversary will be marked with visible celebrations at both the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix. At Zandvoort, the slick tires will carry a special commemorative logo, highlighting the historic 500-race achievement. This subtle but symbolic gesture will allow fans, teams, and drivers to witness the milestone directly on track. At Monza, however, the celebration will be much larger: a group photo featuring leading figures of the Formula 1 paddock, alongside Pirelli representatives, is scheduled to immortalize the occasion at the Temple of Speed.
For Italian motorsport culture, the combination of Zandvoort and Monza could not be more fitting. The Dutch circuit represents the present, with its narrow layout and growing popularity, while Monza represents tradition, speed, and history — the perfect venue to honor the achievements of an Italian company that has supported Formula 1 since its very beginning.
One-stop or two-stop? Pirelli’s strategic choices for Zandvoort
The Zandvoort circuit is known for being particularly demanding on tires due to its unique characteristics. With only one long straight and a very narrow track width, the layout constantly puts stress on the tires, especially through its banked corners and high-speed sections. Last year, in 2024, Pirelli supplied the harder range of compounds (C1, C2, and C3) to withstand these challenges. For the 2025 race, however, and in agreement with the FIA, Pirelli has decided to bring a softer range: C2, C3, and C4. This adjustment reduces the overall hardness of the tire selection by one step, offering teams more flexibility in their race strategies.
The aim of this decision is to bring the one-stop and two-stop strategies closer together in terms of performance. According to Pirelli’s simulations, the fastest option remains a one-stop strategy, although the difference compared to a two-stop race has been narrowed. Another important factor to consider is the change in pit lane speed. For the 2025 season, the maximum speed in the Zandvoort pit lane has been increased from 60 km/h to 80 km/h, reducing the time lost during pit stops. This adjustment could encourage more teams to consider a two-stop strategy, as the penalty for pitting is now smaller.
Ultimately, the Dutch Grand Prix will once again put Pirelli’s tires to the test, and the milestone of 500 races will add an extra layer of significance to an already challenging event. With celebrations set to continue at Monza, this moment not only highlights Pirelli’s past but also its future role in shaping Formula 1 strategy and performance.
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