Formula 1 has announced that Pirelli will continue as the sole tyre supplier for the sport until 2027. This announcement comes off the backend of a race weekend where measures were taken for safety precautions, after the tyres were deemed unsafe and degraded too quickly.
The Italian manufacturer began the role as tyre supplier back in 2011, and has been the sole supplier for the sport since then. Through the years, they have developed their tyres to match the ever changing regulations the sport itself has been through, most notable in 2022 with the major changes that saw new 18-inch rubber being used.
With a focus on sustainability, and a well established structure behind the scenes where Pirelli take all the tyres after each race weekend to recyle the materials, it makes sense that Formula 1 are keen to keep the partnership going. Aiming to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030, all tyres from 2024 onwards will be FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council).
This means the FSC have overseen the plantation of forest-based components of the tyres have been way to preserve biological diversity & ensures economic sustainability while benefiting local communities.
"Pirelli has been an invaluable partner, supporting Formula 1 through new generations of technology and technical regulations." - Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1
Tyre supply battle
There have been recent rumors of Bridgestone making a return to the sport to rival Pirelli as a tyre supplier, allowing teams the option to decide which manufacturer to use throughout the season, adding an extra element of competition to the sport. This used to be the case before 2007 where Michelin and Bridgestone used to be rival tyre suppliers.
But since 2007 there has only been one tyre supplier, and this is partly to do with the 2005 US Grand Prix tyre controversy that saw just 6 cars start the Grand Prix, after Michelin reported the tyres they had provided for their seven customer teams were unsafe for extended high-speed use resulting in those 7 teams to withdraw from the race.
Bridgestone did propose a bid to enter Formula 1, and expressed significant engagement to return to the sport, but in the end it appears Formula 1 have decided to stick with just Pirelli.
"I would also like to commend Bridgestone for their impressive proposal and engagement through the process" - Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1