'Pirelli's F1 dominance at risk as old rival prepares sensational comeback'

According to RacingNews365, Bridgestone is showing renewed interest in returning to Formula 1, with representatives of the Japanese manufacturer attending several race weekends this season.

Senior figures from the company were reportedly present at both the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, where discussions took place behind the scenes about a potential comeback.

The report suggests that Bridgestone is preparing a stronger proposal than the one submitted during the previous tender process in 2023, when Pirelli was ultimately awarded a new contract to remain Formula 1's exclusive tyre supplier.

The Japanese manufacturer is believed to be looking to improve its technical and commercial offer in an attempt to convince the sport's decision-makers. However, no agreement has been announced, and Bridgestone would still need to secure the necessary approval before returning to the grid.

A change of supplier would not take place before 2029. Pirelli's current contract runs until the end of 2027, with an option to extend the agreement for a further season in 2028.

Bridgestone is no stranger to Formula 1, having enjoyed considerable success during its previous involvement in the championship. The Japanese company's first appearances came at the Japanese Grands Prix in 1976 and 1977, although its first sustained entry into the sport did not arrive until 1997, when it began competing against Goodyear.

Just one year later, Bridgestone celebrated its first drivers' world title as Mika Hakkinen claimed the 1998 championship with McLaren. Goodyear withdrew at the end of that season, leaving Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier in 1999 and 2000.

Competition returned in 2001 with the arrival of Michelin, beginning a six-year battle between the two manufacturers. Bridgestone became closely associated with Ferrari during Michael Schumacher's dominant period, while Michelin supplied several of the Italian team's main rivals.

When Michelin departed at the end of 2006, Bridgestone regained its position as Formula 1's exclusive supplier, a role it maintained until its withdrawal following the 2010 season. Its final year saw Sebastian Vettel claim his first world championship with Red Bull, bringing the manufacturer's full-time involvement in Formula 1 to an end after 14 consecutive seasons.

Pirelli took over from Bridgestone in 2011, beginning an exclusive partnership with Formula 1 that continues today. However, the Italian company's history in the championship stretches back considerably further. Pirelli supplied tyres during the inaugural Formula 1 Championship in 1950 and remained involved throughout much of the decade before withdrawing after 1958.

It subsequently returned between 1981 and 1986, followed by another spell from 1989 to 1991. After a 19-season absence, Pirelli made its latest comeback in 2011, this time as the championship's sole tyre supplier.

Since then, the manufacturer has supplied Formula 1 through several major technical changes, including the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 and the switch to 18-inch wheels in 2022.

Pirelli also secured the contract covering the new technical regulations introduced in 2026, ensuring its continued involvement as Formula 1 entered another era. Should its agreement be extended through 2028, the Italian manufacturer would complete 18 consecutive seasons as the championship's exclusive supplier.