Pirelli should be challenged by Bridgestone in order to remain the Formula 1 tire manufacturer
While the deadline for the tire supplier call for bids, for the period 2025-2027, has been passed, Bridgestone appears to be among the candidates whose application will be reviewed. Pirelli will thus have a worthy opponent.
Pirelli seems ready to compete for the official FIA contract starting from 2025, particularly against Bridgestone. Earlier this year, the FIA initiated the bidding process for the official F1 supplier contract for the period 2025-2027, with the option to extend the contract until 2028. The deadline for submission of applications was set for May 15th.
The selected offers will be announced on June 16th
The FIA is currently evaluating proposals from interested parties before selecting the chosen proposals on June 16. The selected candidates will then proceed to the next stage of the process, which will involve discussions with the commercial rights holder of Formula 1.
During the last tender for tires, from 2020 to 2023, Pirelli had to face competition from the South Korean company Hankook.
The current manufacturer of Formula 1 then obtained a one-year extension until the end of the 2024 season due to delays in the introduction of new technical regulations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deadline for submitting applications for the tender 2024-2027 having passed, it seems that Pirelli is not the only one to have made an offer for the new tire contract. Although the FIA has not confirmed the number of candidates or their identities, sources have suggested that the Japanese company Bridgestone has applied.
Bridgestone was present in F1 from 1997 to 2010 and was the sole supplier from 2007 to 2010, following Michelin’s decision to leave the championship at the end of 2006. Since its departure from F1, the Japanese brand is still present in the major Japanese categories as well as in other international series. For example, its Firestone brand is the sole supplier for IndyCar.
No confirmation from Bridgestone.
In a recent statement, the director of motorsports planning for the Tokyo-based company, Eiichi Suzuki, said that the company is evaluating its participation in other series, including Formula 1.
“We are always considering what and how we can best deliver our motorsport activities in the global categories, including Formula 1,” he said. “Of course, we are conducting research on these matters.”
Bridgestone, however, has refused to confirm whether this interest has led them to officially apply for the tire tender.
A spokesperson for the company stated: « Bridgestone has a legacy of over 60 years in motorsport, and we will continue to engage in sustainable activities in this field globally. However, we refrain from commenting on specific categories. »
