Pirelli stays coy on Bridgestone threat as F1 tyre tender for 2029 looms

Formula 1's tyre supply could become a genuine contest for the first time in years. Pirelli has declined to be drawn on reports that Bridgestone is preparing to bid for the sport's tyre contract from 2029, insisting that the choice of supplier sits with the FIA and that it is too early to talk about life beyond 2028.

What Pirelli said

Speaking to RacingNews365 in a story published on Monday, Pirelli's head of motorsport business Dario Marrafuschi refused to comment on Bridgestone's prospects. He played down the significance of rival manufacturers being seen in the paddock, saying anyone is free to attend a race, and pointed out that Pirelli still has two years left on its contract.

On the next deal, Marrafuschi said the selection is "in the hands of the FIA" and that it was really too early to discuss an extension past 2028. Pirelli, he said, will look at the process when it comes.

Pirelli's current deal

Pirelli has been F1's sole tyre supplier since 2011, when it replaced Bridgestone. Its current contract originally covered 2025 to 2027 with a one-year option. In June 2026, the FIA exercised that option with the agreement of Formula One Management and Pirelli, extending the deal to the end of 2028. The extension also covers the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.

At the time, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the extension provided stability for the championship.

Bridgestone's reported interest

RacingNews365 understands that Bridgestone is preparing technical and commercial bids for the contract that begins in 2029, with the FIA expected to open the tender around early 2027. Bridgestone officials were reportedly seen at several recent grands prix, including Singapore and the United States. Neither Bridgestone nor the FIA has confirmed any bid.

Bridgestone is no stranger to F1. It supplied the sport from 1997 to 2010, fighting a tyre war with Michelin until 2006 and serving as sole supplier from 2007. According to RacingNews365, Bridgestone also bid in the 2023 tender for the 2025-2027 cycle; its offer reportedly passed the FIA's technical evaluation, but Pirelli won once commercial terms were settled.

Bridgestone is also set to become Formula E's tyre supplier from the 2026/27 season, giving it a fresh foothold in FIA single-seater racing.

How the tender works

Any tender is expected to weigh technical performance, safety, logistics and sustainability, alongside commercial terms agreed with Formula One Management. The FIA has the final say. Michelin bid unsuccessfully for an earlier F1 contract in 2017, a reminder that interest from a rival does not guarantee a change.

For now, nothing changes on track. Pirelli will supply the remaining four races of 2026, starting with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, and remains under contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Key takeaways

• Pirelli is F1's tyre supplier until at least the end of 2028 after the FIA activated a one-year option in June.
• The FIA is expected to open the tender for 2029 onwards around early 2027.
• Bridgestone is reported to be preparing a bid; this has not been officially confirmed.
• Pirelli says the decision is the FIA's and it is too early to discuss a further extension.
• Bridgestone last supplied F1 in 2010 and joins Formula E from 2026/27.

FAQ

How long is Pirelli's F1 tyre contract? Until the end of 2028, after the FIA exercised a one-year option on the 2025-2027 deal in June 2026.

Has Bridgestone confirmed it wants to return to F1? No. Reports say it is preparing a bid, but neither Bridgestone nor the FIA has confirmed it.

When did Bridgestone last supply F1 tyres? In 2010. It was in F1 from 1997, and was the sole supplier from 2007 to 2010.

Sources: RacingNews365, RACER, Crash.net