Bridgestone targets Formula 1 return with new motorsport leadership

Strengthening the bid

Bridgestone is building a stronger technological and commercial package to return to Formula 1 as a tyre supplier. A delegation of high-level Bridgestone experts attended both the Singapore and United States races to hold background discussions about the company’s planned involvement and a possible return to the sport. Paddock sources tell RacingNews365 that the company "lured" Hiroshi Imai back to lead its restructured motorsport division. Imai, who was a member of the company’s high-level delegation at the races in Singapore and Austin, previously served at McLaren from 2009 to 2025 in roles including chief race engineer, suspension and brakes performance director, and director of race engineering. His departure from the Woking team was viewed as a significant loss, and Bridgestone re-signed him after his previous spell with the company between 1990 and 2008. This move follows Bridgestone’s 2025 restructuring and its appointment of Imai to oversee its motorsport ambitions. The Japanese manufacturer last supplied the championship in 2010, after competing in a tyre war with Michelin between 1997 and 2006 and serving as the exclusive supplier from 2007 to 2010. Bridgestone’s technological standards are sufficient for F1 because the company remains active in numerous high-level racing series, such as Super GT and the Formula E world championship starting in the 2026/27 season. The company also remains present in IndyCar through its Firestone brand.

Competitive landscape and timing

Pirelli remains the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1 through at least the end of the 2028 season. The FIA activated a one-year extension in July 2026 to secure the Milan-based manufacturer for the 2025 to 2027 period and the subsequent 2028 campaign. This follows a 2023 decision to extend the current supply deal. Pirelli also supplies tyres for support championships including Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy. While the manufacturer maintains these contracts, drivers have frequently criticized the company’s full-wet tyres. Bridgestone’s interest comes as the 2029 tender period approaches, though Michelin and Hankook may also challenge for the role currently held by Pirelli, the sole supplier. Hankook has long shown interest, and rumours suggest Michelin might also take a shot at the challenge. Michelin unsuccessfully vied for the tender in 2017, and Pirelli will become the single tyre supplier for MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE starting in 2027. The FIA manages the tender by opening the process, selecting a winner, and then making a proposal to Formula 1 to begin commercial and business negotiations before finalizing the deal.