Why Bridgestone's comeback to Formula One is impossible

While the '23 season is moving more and more towards its end, F1 teams are focusing more and more on 2024. Contractually, it is Pirelli's last year as a tyre supplier in Formula 1. Yet there is little sign of that: even last week at Monza, two F1 teams were busy with Pirelli doing all kinds of tests with (future) specification tyres. Those who do not know better would think that Pirelli and F1 would remain linked for many years to come.

Reality may turn out to be different. With a bit of bad luck, Pirelli will soon have made huge investments in potential, future tyres for F1 (and the step-up classes), but they will never be used during a Grand Prix weekend. Although rumours have been around for ages that Pirelli will get a new contract, Bridgestone is still in the running. The Japanese are keen to return to the premier class of motorsport and thus relieve Pirelli.

Horner and Vasseur prefer Pirelli

But it is becoming less realistic that Bridgestone - should they go for this lot - has time enough to develop tyres for F1 now, as well as carefully test them ahead of the 2025 season. Indeed, Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, sees another problem: "Technically, I think it is true that it is quite a challenge [to change suppliers now]."

"This is because we are talking about a type of tyre for 2025 as well as for 2026 (when a major change in F1's technical regulations takes place, ed.). That means you would have to develop two different tyres or constructions or maybe dimensions in the next two or three years. (...) I don't know if it's too late, that's not up to me, but it's a challenge," said Vasseur, who also says he is in favour of a long collaboration with Pirelli.

Christian Horner also seems to have made his choice: "Pirelli is a great tyre supplier and I am sure in their tender they have made a generous offer to the promoter and the teams. There are millions of reasons why we would love to continue with Pirelli. They are fantastic, have always given us great support and - as I said - there are millions of reasons why that should continue," Horner said.

Andrea Stella, his colleague at McLaren, fully agrees with Horner and Vasseur. "I obviously agree about the millions of reasons. In terms of timing, I would say it is not a problem for us [as an F1 team]. But from the tyre manufacturer's point of view, it looks like it will be tight. So hopefully we will hear the decision soon," said the Italian team principal.

Pirelli in the waiting room

Bridgestone and Pirelli, meanwhile, are waiting. Mario Isola, responsible for F1 operations at Pirelli, commented on this uncertainty at Monza: "We have presented our proposal. Obviously the tender is quite complicated. There are many details to be discussed with F1, with the FIA, with the teams. It is not only for Formula 1, but also for the supporting series like Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy. So it is quite a complex package and I am still positive."