FIA News: FIA launches F1, F2, F3 tire supply tender from 2025 (4th Update)
(GMM) Michelin has ruled out bidding to succeed Pirelli as Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier.
Pirelli – the sport’s sole supplier since 2011 – has the exclusive contract until 2024, but the governing FIA has just launched the next tender to cover 2025, 2026, 2027 and possibly 2028.
“Obviously the decision is not in our hands,” said Pirelli’s F1 boss Mario Isola, “but we are happy with our presence in Formula 1, and we want to continue.”
However, according to the publication The Drive, French company Michelin will not be joining the bidding process.
Between 2001 and 2006, Michelin and Bridgestone competed in Formula 1 in the most recent ‘tire war’ era – with Bridgestone becoming sole supplier under new rules from 2007.
And Michelin Group CEO Florent Menegaux says the Clermont-Ferrand based tire maker is not interested in returning to Formula 1 when the rules are most focused on ‘the show’.
“The question is, how do we leverage technology to have a good show?” he said. “And that’s where F1 comes into play, because we have been discussing with them for a very long time – and we are not in agreement.
“They say to have the show, you have to have tires that destroy themselves. And I think we don’t know how to do this. So, we cannot agree,” Menegaux insisted.
Indeed, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was a big supporter of Pirelli’s move in designing tires for the 2013 season that are specifically designed to degrade.
“Pirelli are doing exactly what we asked them to do,” he said at the time. “When the driver has to think about the tires, it makes for more exciting racing.”
Menegaux fundamentally disagrees with this philosophy.
“The first element is not about the show,” he said. “It’s about the technology. We are in racing because it’s the best way to very quickly live test new technology.
“And of course there are side benefits – a side benefit is the show. A side benefit is the brand awareness. But in terms of brand awareness, Michelin is one of the best-known brands in the world.
“We don’t need to do this,” he added.
“So when we can influence the regulations so that performance is obtained while using far less materials and making a very good show, then it’s ok.
“That’s why we are not back in Formula 1.”
April 19, 2023
Michelin says it will not be one of the bidders for the F1 tire contract in 2025 says Michelin CEO Florent Menegaux who refuses for his company to take part in Formula 1’s “show” whilst the sport continues to run degrading rubber.
Menegaux confirmed in an interview with The Drive that he sees no end to Michelin’s current exile.
“The question is, how do we leverage technology to have a good show?” said Menegaux.
“And that’s where F1 comes into play because we have been discussing with them for a very long time, and we are not in agreement.
“Because they say to have the show, you have to have tires that destroy themselves. And I think we don’t know how to do this. So, we cannot agree.
“Teams should be understanding tire performance and capitalizing on the fact that the tire is going to be performing from the first lap around the circuit to the last.
“The drivers will tell you they want to be at their maximum all the time. And when I hear the drivers in Formula 1 – I like Formula 1 – but they say ‘No no, it’s not possible’.”
April 19, 2023
(GMM) Pirelli has reiterated its interest in remaining Formula 1’s sole tire supplier behind 2024.
Early this month, we reported that the sport’s governing body was poised to launch the mandatory tender process for the 2025, 2026, 2027 and possibly 2028 seasons.
“Obviously the decision is not in our hands,” we quoted Pirelli’s F1 boss Mario Isola as saying, “but we are happy with our presence in Formula 1 and we want to continue.”
This week, the FIA confirmed the tender process, revealing that the design of the tires will remain largely the same – but the successful applicant will also be judged on its commitment to sustainability.
“The tender will require potential suppliers to supply an analysis of the environmental impact of the tires used in Formula 1, and the successful bid will need to demonstrate best practice and innovation when considering the complete life cycle of the tires,” the Paris based federation said.
And now, Pirelli has become the first and for now the only tire manufacturer to confirm its “interest” in taking part in the tender process.
“The framework described by the FIA is closely aligned to Pirelli’s motorsport strategy and so is of great interest,” the Italian company confirmed.
“A definitive decision about Pirelli’s participation in the selection process will naturally be taken after a detailed examination of the FIA’s document.”
Pirelli has been F1’s sole tire supplier since 2011.
March 22, 2023
Pirelli has confirmed interest in bidding to supply the new tires – they released this statement today:
“The FIA has now published the invitation to participate in the next tender process for the supply of tires to the top single-seater championships – FIA Formula One World Championship, Formula 2 and Formula 3 – for the three-year period from 2025-2027 (with an option for 2028). The document outlines technical characteristics that are broadly in line with the tires used today and their relevance to technology transfer from track to road, putting a particular emphasis on sustainability.
“The framework described by the FIA is closely aligned to Pirelli’s motorsport strategy and so is of great interest, with the Italian company having been Global Tire Partner to the sport for more than a decade, since 2011. A definitive decision about Pirelli’s participation in the selection process will naturally be taken after a detailed examination of the FIA’s document.”
March 21, 2023
The FIA have officially opened up the ‘invitations to tender’ process for the exclusive F1, F2 and F3 supply deal that will commence in 2025 through to 2027, with an option of extending to 2028, the specifications for which will follow “in the next two weeks”.
Italian manufacturer Pirelli has held the contract since 2011 as the sole provider of tires, following on from Bridgestone – which was also involved in the last tire war in the 2000s alongside Michelin.
Pirelli is likely to apply and regain the contract given its work in developing the new era of 18-inch tires, also securing a deal to continue providing F2 and F3.
The FIA have stated that the tire dimensions will be “similar” to the current 18″ specification tires and that an increased emphasis on environmental sustainability will need to be proven across the “complete life cycle” of the tires by bidding manufacturers.
The requirements also stated: “Other technological updates will include the requirement for tires to be fitted with electronic identification to improve the efficiency of the scrutineering procedures.”
The FIA statement also read: “These targets have been agreed through consultation with the commercial rights holders and the teams, and are designed to ensure a wide working range, minimize overheating, and have low degradation whilst also creating the possibility for variation in strategy.”
Despite the “similar” dimensions, the higher-torque power units implemented for 2026 are very likely to require design changes to cope with the revised demands. The estimated torque increase is around 10%.
A decision for the new tire supply contract is expected in mid-June, right around the same time a decision will be made by the FIA on Andretti Global’s application to become the 11th F1 team.