Pirelli secures their future
A few years ago, when discussions began about whether Formula 1 should once again open the door to competition between tyre manufacturers, it seemed that Pirelli's future as the sport's sole supplier was far from guaranteed. However, according to the latest agreements, Formula 1 has made its intentions clear. The FIA has announced that Pirelli will remain the exclusive tyre supplier until at least the end of the 2028 season. In addition to Formula 1, Pirelli will also continue supplying tyres, based on a clause in the contract, for the junior categories, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy.
Pirelli has been part of Formula 1 since the very beginning, with its tyres used at the inaugural World Championship Grand Prix in 1950. As this article shows, the Italian manufacturer continues to play a key role in the sport to this day. Unlike in the past, when Formula 1 often witnessed an era of what some might describe as “tyre wars” between competing manufacturers, the championship now prioritizes stability and a proven supplier. At least for the current and the two next seasons, nothing will change. Any driver hoping to fight for Grand Prix victories or a world championship title through 2028 will do so on Pirelli tyres.
For less invested fans, this may seem like unimportant or boring news. In reality, however, tyres are one of the most crucial technical elements in all forms of motorsport. Race strategy, tyre degradation management, and even the performance differences between teams often depend on them. Pirelli returned as Formula 1's tyre supplier in 2011, having previously supplied the championship during three earlier eras (1950 - 1958, 1981 - 1986, and 1989 - 1991). Since its return in 2011, Pirelli has become an integral part of Formula 1's modern era. Last year, the collaboration surpassed the mark of 500 Grands Prix, which only confirms the deep rooted history.
Throughout each of these eras, Pirelli has had to respond to the increasing performance of Formula 1 cars. The tyres must withstand extremely demanding conditions and the ever growing speeds of the cars, which have gradually exceeded speeds as high as 350 km per hour. Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that extending this partnership is another important step toward maintaining the stability, innovation and even safety of the championship. "This extension through to the end of 2028 provides stability for the championship and reflects the strong collaboration between the FIA, Formula One Group and Pirelli. Together, we continue to drive innovation and support the delivery of exciting racing for competitors, teams and fans around the world."
For Pirelli, Formula 1 is undeniably much more than just a marketing platform. The championship also serves a role as something similar to a test rabbit, allowing the company to develop and try out new tyre technologies before introducing them to its road tyre range. Formula 1 provides the ideal environment for innovation and continuous improvement at the highest level of engineering. "Formula 1 represents the best laboratory for us to innovate, test cutting-edge technical solutions, and continually improve research and development processes, for the benefit of tomorrow’s road tyres." added the Executive Vice Chairman of Pirelli,Tronchetti Provera.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President of Formula 1, is also pleased with the extension of the partnership, saying: "We’ve enjoyed an incredible history and partnership with Pirelli, relying on their technical brilliance and focus on performance, innovation, and sustainability for many years, so I'm delighted that the FIA and we will continue that relationship for another year.
"As we continue to push boundaries across the technical regulatory framework, Pirelli's commitment to quality gives all the teams and series it supplies peace of mind as they know they are working with some of the most advanced tyres in the world.”
All three sides seem to be greatly pleased with the contract, which was confirmed by Stefano Domenicali. He thanked His Excellency, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman of Pirelli, whose efforts made the contract extension possible.