Lawrence EdmondsonF1 Editor3 minutes of reading
Pirelli has won a contract to be Formula One’s sole tire supplier from 2025 to 2027, with an option to extend by a further year.
The Italian tire maker faced opposition from Japanese brand Bridgestone when the contract was tendered earlier this year.
Pirelli has been supplying tires to the series since taking over from Bridgestone in 2010.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, presented both suppliers as suitable and F1, led by CEO Stefano Dominicali, made the final decision to enter into a commercial agreement with Pirelli.
Asked why Pirelli won the contract ahead of Bridgestone, Dominicali said: „Someone always has to choose, and I think all the parameters are technically related to the FIA, which is absolutely appropriate. On the other hand, we have an obligation to work on its commercial side.
„I want to thank Bridgestone because they stepped in and showed that F1 is a platform where other manufacturers can come in.
„And then, of course, when we came to a conclusion, we felt it was the right thing to move forward with [with Pirelli]. There are a lot of technical challenges in the future and a lot of commercial opportunities in the future, and we believe that the choice we have made is in the best interests of Formula One.”
In a statement confirming the news, the FIA said, „Pirelli aims to produce tires designed to ensure a wide working range, reduce overheating and create the possibility of variation in strategy while having minimal degradation”.
Pirelli’s deal also includes tire supply deals with Formula 2 and Formula 3.