Pirelli may face competition: Formula 1 opens tender for 2025

The FIA announced on Monday evening that another Formula 1 tyre manufacturer might supply the rubber from 2025, the FIA said in a press release. Several tyre manufacturers may apply through a bidding process. So whether Pirelli will be allowed to continue supplying tyres to F1 remains to be seen.

In an interview with GPblog while at Bahrain, Pirelli already revealed its intention to continue supplying tyres to F1. Tyre manufacturers such as Bridgestone, Hankook, Michelin and GoodYear are also now being given the chance by the FIA to sign up as tyre manufacturers of motorsport's king class.

Tyre wars in the past

Between 2005 and 2007, there was a tyre war between Michelin and Bridgestone. At the time, they were tyre suppliers at the same time. However, after a series of incidents, Michelin decided to part ways as an F1 supplier. As a result, Bridgestone became the sole supplier. They remained so until 2010.

In 2011, Pirelli started supplying tyres to F1 again. This was a return to Formula 1 for them, as they had been suppliers for several previous periods. Whether the famous Italian manufacturer will stay on as a tyre supplier for a long time remains to be seen. A lot will also depend on whether there is any competition at all from other manufacturers. As a current supplier, Pirelli does seem to have an advantage over brands that would step new into the adventure.