The process of choosing an F1 tire supplier has begun. Pirelli confirms and Bridgestone is considering participating, according to AMuS.
Some time ago this site wrote about the proximity of the new FIA and F1 tender for the choice of tire suppliers for the category and its basic series (F2 and F3), given that the contract expires in 2024.
On the 20th, the FIA formalized the start of the process and on the same day Pirelli, sole supplier of the category since 2011, announced its intention to participate. This contract would cover the period 2025-2027, with an option to extend until 2028.
In the last round, after many discussions, Pirelli had the competition of the Korean Hankook. Bridgestone and Michelin declined to participate due to requests from F1 for more excessive wear. Eventually the deal was renewed through 2023 and was extended for another year due to the pandemic.
In the first documents, the FIA clarifies that the basis for the tires is the current one for the period in question, even with a change to the technical regulations scheduled for 2026. In Pirelli’s favor is the maintenance of a large part of the current performance objectives.
F1 is currently a beautiful showcase for Pirelli. The company pays between $30-40 million a year to advertise and cater to all 3 categories. From this year, the F1 Academy will also be needed. And it showed great resilience, withstanding the blows precisely because it met F1’s requests to make a tire that wears out faster, which is bad for a tire manufacturer.
Previously, this point ran away from Bridgestone. According to the Germans of Auto Motor Und Sport, the point of view has changed among the Japanese, who have been in F1 between 1997 and 2010 (exclusively since 2007). Previously, the question of this “spectacularized” tire was one of the things that displeased. But the brand exposure turns out to be something of interest and makes you consider a comeback.
One brand that has aimed to participate in the process is Hankook. However, the Koreans had a major fire at their main factory in South Korea last 12 months. We will see how the company has been affected, even if the decision to enter F1 is more strategic.
So far, Michelin has not taken a position on a possible participation, as has Good Year, which is slowly reappearing on the international racing scene and recognizes the value that F1 has provided in the past to the company’s image. The French are repositioning the brand and its programs. Previously, he made it clear that he wouldn’t want to be a single vendor.
The deadline for interested parties to participate in the selection process is 15 May and you can follow the details here.
Source: Terra
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