Ask any Formula 1 fan for the top 3 things they want in the sport. Chances are one of them will be a tyre war. 2006 was the last time the sport had a tyre war with Bridgestone and Michelin. Since Michelin dropped out, both Bridgestone and Pirelli have held the privilege of being the sport’s sole tyre supplier. We did get another war between the two this year, but it was off the track. Pirelli won and Formula 1 announced it as their tyre supplier till 2027, ironically after the contentious Qatar GP.
Bridgestone’s Statement
Formula 1 has indeed extended Pirelli’s contract till 2027. However, this doesn’t mean Bridgestone is giving up on their proposal just yet. They will continue monitoring the action closely.
Their statement reads, “F1 is the world’s most prestigious global motorsport platform, and Bridgestone has been studying F1 as one of the various options to support its sustainable global premium motorsports strategy.”
“Bridgestone has sincerely and continuously been communicating with FIA and FOG regarding the next tire tender period for F1 and proposed advanced innovative technology and sustainability initiatives.”
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Qatar GP Antics
Formula 1’s announcement of Pirelli’s contract renewal couldn’t have come at a more inauspicious time. The cry for Pirelli to be removed from the sport has been vocal for some time now. In the last two years especially, people have chastised them for their wet weather tyres.
At the Formula 1 Qatar GP however, the Pirelli tyres simply gave up. They were no match for the high loads of the track. The aggressive pyramid kerbs challenged the structural integrity of the tyres as well. This was such a safety concern that the FIA and Pirelli had to mandate an 18-lap tyre life for the race.
Formula 1 Statement
Formula 1 released a statement to announce the contract renewal with Pirelli.
Also Read: Amidst tyre dramas, Formula 1 announces Pirelli as F1 tyre manufacturers till 2027
The statement read, “Pirelli has always engaged positively with drivers, teams, the FIA and Formula 1 to deliver tyres to enable excellent racing, analysing data and gathering feedback to continuously improve the product year on year.”
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