Pirelli stays silent on Bridgestone threat as battle for F1 tyre deal from 2029 looms

This is Pirelli's first public response since reports emerged that Bridgestone is preparing a bid for the contract that starts in 2029. Pirelli has had exclusive supply rights since replacing Bridgestone in 2011. In June 2026, the FIA triggered a one-year option that extended its deal through 2028.

Pirelli's head of motorsport business, Dario Marrafuschi, played down any concern when he spoke to media. He was asked about other manufacturers turning up at grands prix and whether that worried him. "Everyone is open to going and seeing any race, frankly speaking," he said.

Marrafuschi said little when asked whether Pirelli would push for another extension beyond 2028. He also stressed that the final decision belongs to the FIA.

Pirelli's caution makes sense, because Bridgestone is a serious rival. The Japanese company supplied F1 from 1997 to 2010 and was the sole supplier from 2007. In the 2023 tender for the 2025 to 2027 cycle, its bid reportedly received technical approval from the FIA. Pirelli still won once the commercial terms were settled.

Bridgestone made it clear at the time that it was not giving up. CEO Shuichi Ishibashi said then: "While Bridgestone will not be able to support F1 this time, the process received positive recognition from FIA and (F1)".

Recent signs from the paddock point the same way. Bridgestone officials have attended several grands prix in recent months, including Singapore and the United States. Bridgestone is also due to become the tyre supplier for Formula E from the 2026/27 season.

It is anticipated that the FIA will open the tender for 2029 onwards around early 2027. Bids are expected to be judged on technical performance, safety, logistics and sustainability. Commercial terms will be negotiated with Formula One Management before the FIA makes its final decision.

Timing could help Pirelli. The current regulations run from 2026 to 2030, so a new supplier starting in 2029 would arrive halfway through the cycle. By then, Pirelli would have three seasons of data on the current cars. Bridgestone may not be the only challenger either. A senior Michelin delegation recently visited the Italian Grand Prix. Neither Bridgestone nor the FIA has confirmed that a formal bid is underway.