Bridgestone prepares bid for Formula 1 tire contract from 2029

The upcoming tender process

Pirelli maintains the exclusive Formula 1 tire supply contract through the end of 2028 because the FIA triggered a one-year option in June 2026. RacingNews365 reports that Bridgestone, which supplied the series from 1997 to 2010, is mounting fresh technical and commercial preparations to bid for the contract covering the 2029 season onwards. Bridgestone served as the sole supplier from 2007 until 2011. The FIA plans to launch the next tender process, which covers the 2029 season onwards, around early 2027. I find the competitive landscape significant because Bridgestone lost out to Pirelli in the 2023 tender for the 2025 to 2027 cycle despite having a bid that reportedly received technical approval from the FIA before commercial terms were finalised in Pirelli’s favour. The FIA will weigh technical performance, safety, logistics, and sustainability credentials alongside commercial terms negotiated with Formula One Management before making its final call on the tire supply.

Marrafuschi declines to comment

Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli’s head of motorsport business, downplayed concerns regarding other manufacturers attending Grand Prix events or the possibility of a renewed bid from Bridgestone. He told media, including RacingNews365, that "Everyone is open to going and seeing any race, frankly speaking," and added, "So no, I don’t have any comment on the future. It’s well known that there are still two years of contracts." Marrafuschi noted the selection process rests with the FIA and that Pirelli’s focus remains on the work required for next season and the following one. When asked if Pirelli intends to pursue a further extension beyond 2028, Marrafuschi said, "It’s really too early to speak about that," and noted the decision remains in the hands of the FIA. He mentioned that if the company thinks of two years ago, they would not have imagined where they are now. I find his dismissal of the Bridgestone threat to be a calculated move. Marrafuschi explained that they are focused on the heavy workload for the next season and the following one. He also noted that the company will look at the process and consider what is going to happen, but ultimately the decision is in the hands of the FIA.