Hankook could replace Pirelli in F1 for 2020 (Update)

Hankook passenger tires

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'strong' today. The FIA has approved applications from two manufacturers bidding to become the official Formula 1 tire supplier from 2020, and word on the street is that it is indeed Hankook.

F1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, will now conduct negotiations with each and notify the FIA of its final selection for official confirmation.

South Korean manufacturer Hankook has never previously been involved in F1. However it is already active in other branches of motorsport including as the sole supplier of tires to the DTM and FIA European Formula Three championship.

The chosen manufacturer will be F1’s exclusive sole supplier of tires from 2020 to 2023. The current 13-inch wheel format will be retained for 2020, after which the sport will switch to 18-inch wheels. Tire-warming blankets will also be outlawed when the wheel sizes change.

06/14/18 (GMM) Hankook has entered the frame as F1's potential next sole tire supplier.

In 2013, it was reported that the South Korean tire marque had "several meetings" with then F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

It came to nothing, but Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims Hankook is once again in the frame.

Pirelli's current contract runs out in 2019, and it is rumored that F1 intends to switch from 13 to 18 inch wheels for 2020 or 2021.

The German magazine said the FIA is currently collecting expressions of interest for the next sole F1 tire contract to run from 2020 to the end of 2022.

"A decision will be taken in September," Auto Motor und Sport added.

Hankook already supplies tires in the DTM and Formula 3 categories.