Pirelli celebrates its 400th Grand Prix in Bahrain

Pirelli can be proud of having been present at the Grand Prix since the very first one in 1950. However, its relationship with the pinnacle of motorsports has not been a smooth ride, as the Italian brand has made many back-and-forths: after a continuous presence from 1950 to 1958, it was then necessary to wait until 1981 to see them back until 1986. A brief interlude took place between 1989 and 1991, before a 20-year absence.

But in 2011, it was through the front door that the manufacturer returned, becoming the exclusive supplier for the entire grid. The love story continues as a contract extension ensures that it will benefit from this position until the end of the 2024 season.

The coming year is crucial for Pirelli as it must prepare for the transition to the famous 18″ rims, which will finally allow F1 to be in line with what is marketed on roads worldwide.

Mario Isola, the director of its F1 activity, declared: “At Pirelli, we are very proud of our long history. It’s fantastic to celebrate 400 Grand Prix. We are celebrating this important milestone at the dawn of a new era, at the beginning of the last season with 13″ tires, before switching to 18″ tires alongside new technical regulations starting next year. Even as we look at the past, we are eager to write the next chapter of our history.”