The news had been in the air for some time, and yesterday it received official confirmation with an event organized in Milan in the presence of key figures from Formula 1: Pirelli has won the tender to supply tires exclusively for the period 2025-2027, with an option that is likely to be renewed for 2028.
The keyword is continuity. Formula 1 is preparing to face significant changes, and for this reason, they aimed to continue with a partner that has been operating for thirteen seasons and is well aware of the technical path ahead, as they have been a key player in its definition.
Pirelli vs. Bridgestone: A Technical and Commercial Victory
Pirelli has won its battle against Bridgestone, whose candidacy was evaluated by the offices of Liberty Media Corporation. The assessment process by the American group was lengthy and comprehensive, and Pirelli emerged victorious due to technical and commercial reasons, as well as their demonstrated willingness to collaborate throughout their experience.
The Italian-Chinese giant has adapted to the demands of the ownership and the FIA over the years, showing good responsiveness and adaptability to rapidly changing scenarios. A factor that Stefano Domenicali must have taken into account in his considerations. However, before delving into the technical challenges the tire manufacturer will face, it’s necessary to evaluate the commercial and strategic impact of the renewed collaboration.
“In motorsport, Pirelli is an open-air laboratory. We are present in 350 championships. Formula 1 represents the most demanding and prestigious challenge. We will continue to do our part; we specialize in solving problems, as we have demonstrated on several occasions. This experience will help us improve our products, both on the track and on road cars,” said the executive at the event held in Bicocca.
Liberty has put Pirelli’s history on the table in granting them additional trust: “The technical parameters were evaluated by the FIA, which was an absolutely significant step. Then, we also positively evaluated the commercial aspect. We believed it was right to continue with continuity. Many technical challenges await us in the future, as well as many commercial opportunities. We believe the choice made is the best for Formula 1,” said Domenicali, emphasizing the collaboration with the Federation, even on days when the Andretti issue is polarizing positions.
Pirelli: A Strategic Element for the Evolution of F1
Pirelli will be tasked with transitioning to the new generation of cars, providing a product suitable for the changed requirements of the 2026 cars, which will likely be slower in corners but significantly faster on straights. Overall downforce will decrease, and the tires will need to adapt to these new operational parameters. But before we reach that point, the manufacturer must confront the possible abolition of tire warmers.
The measure, it should be recalled, was supposed to take effect from 2024. The drivers waged a fierce battle to make the FIA and Liberty Media reconsider their steps, leading to a one-year delay. Pirelli had said it was ready, and indeed, they had tested the new-generation tires in various sessions. However, the drivers had not expressed much satisfaction. Probably, the front united not due to specific issues but to achieve a political victory.
The future is set, as FOM (Formula One Management) demands, in the interest of eco-sustainability, that tire warmers should no longer be used. If no further stance is taken, this will occur in 2025. For this reason, the Americans wanted Pirelli to continue. The accumulated experience with products that don’t need to be preheated is valuable, and no one wanted to do without it. Bridgestone was further behind in this regard, which may have also contributed to its loss.
Pirelli: Not Everything Worked in the Past
What has been described may sound idyllic. However, it has emerged that not everything has worked well in recent years. Pirelli had to change the product specifications in progress to adapt to urgent situations that were not foreseen. One might think of the new specifications introduced at Silverstone, which became necessary because, partly due to imprecise data sent by the teams, the downforce generated by the cars was much higher than theorized and upon which the tire compounds were based.
In this light, to avoid the polemics that have always accompanied mid-season changes, Pirelli must increase its synergy with the teams and regulators to propose a product that lasts for an entire season without the need to modify its core.
It is also worth remembering, in conclusion, that the sole supplier, even for the future, should be considered an executor of will. The single-tire regime does not encourage technical progress, and Pirelli, as is normal, only produces tires that meet the needs of the customer, which is called Liberty Media. When criticizing, it’s essential to remember this. Formula 1 aims to contain the escalation of performance, and for this reason, it does not allow the presence of a second entity.
Source: Diego Catalano for FUnoanalisitecnica
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