Bridgestone eyes Formula 1 comeback as next tyre supply tender approaches after 2028

Bridgestone is reported to be lining up a serious attempt to return to Formula 1 as the sport's tyre supplier. According to a RacingNews365 report citing paddock sources, a high-level delegation from the Japanese manufacturer held background discussions during the recent Singapore and United States Grands Prix, and the company is preparing a bid that is stronger than its previous one. Neither the FIA, Formula 1 nor Bridgestone has made any official announcement.

Where Pirelli's contract stands

Pirelli has been F1's sole tyre supplier since 2011. In October 2023 the FIA kept the Italian company on for 2025 to 2027, covering F1, F2 and F3, with an option for one more year. That option was activated in July 2026, so Pirelli is now confirmed until at least the end of 2028.

That timeline means any new supplier would arrive no earlier than 2029. Under the process, the FIA runs the tender and selects a preferred bidder, which is then proposed to Formula 1 for commercial negotiations before a contract is finalised. No date for the next tender has been published, and Pirelli is expected to try to keep the business.

A rival with history

Bridgestone is no stranger to F1. It entered in 1997, fought a tyre war with Michelin in the early 2000s, became the single supplier in 2007 and left after the 2010 season, when Pirelli took over.

The company also bid in the 2023 tender, when it was Pirelli's only rival. After losing out, it said it would not be able to support F1 that time but noted the process had been viewed positively by the FIA and F1. The latest report suggests this time the bid will be more aggressive, with sources giving Bridgestone a strong chance. Hankook is also said to be interested, and there are rumours Michelin could join the race.

The Imai link

One move has drawn attention in the paddock. In 2025 Bridgestone restructured its motorsport division and hired Hiroshi Imai to lead it. Imai worked at Bridgestone from 1990 to 2008, then spent 16 years at McLaren, rising from chief race engineer to director of race engineering. Paddock sources suggest the company's F1 ambitions were a key reason he was brought back.

Bridgestone has also stepped up elsewhere. It becomes Formula E's exclusive tyre supplier from the 2026-27 season and remains in IndyCar through its Firestone brand and in Japan's Super GT.

Why it matters

Tyres shape almost every race weekend, from strategy calls to how teams design their cars. A change of supplier after 2028 would come only two seasons after the major 2026 regulation reset, which already brought narrower tyres and a reduced range of compounds. For fans in Asia, a Japanese supplier would also add another regional link at a time when Honda supplies Aston Martin's power units and Ayao Komatsu leads the Haas team.

For now, nothing is decided. Pirelli will supply tyres for this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix and the rest of the season, and the tender itself is still to be opened.

Key takeaways

• Bridgestone is reported to be preparing a stronger bid to return as F1's tyre supplier.
• A Bridgestone delegation held talks in the paddock in Singapore and Austin, according to paddock sources.
• Pirelli's contract now runs to at least the end of 2028 after the FIA activated its option in July 2026.
• Hankook is also said to be interested, with Michelin rumoured.
• No official announcement has been made by the FIA, F1 or Bridgestone.

FAQ

When could Bridgestone return to F1? Not before 2029. Pirelli's deal runs to at least the end of 2028 after the FIA took up its one-year extension option.

When did Bridgestone last supply F1 tyres? Bridgestone raced in F1 from 1997 to 2010, and was the sole supplier from 2007 until it left at the end of 2010.

Who decides the next F1 tyre supplier? The FIA runs the tender and picks a preferred bidder, which is then proposed to Formula 1 for commercial negotiations.

Sources: RacingNews365, GPFans