Pirelli will remain the sole tire supplier for the FIA Formula One World Championship through the 2027 season, with an option to extend the agreement through 2028. The FIA confirmed the extension in October 2023, maintaining the Italian manufacturer’s presence as the exclusive tire partner for the premier open-wheel racing series.
Why the FIA Extended the Pirelli Contract
The FIA exercised an option to extend the existing contract to ensure continuity in technical regulations. According to the [official FIA statement](https://www.fia.com/news/fia-and-formula-1-announce-pirelli-extension-until-2027), the agreement guarantees that Pirelli will continue to provide tires for Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that Pirelli’s commitment to “performance, innovation, and safety” at the highest levels of motorsport prompted the decision to secure the partnership through the current regulatory cycle.
The extension stabilizes the technical landscape for teams, which must design cars around specific tire characteristics. By locking in the supplier, the FIA avoids a mid-cycle transition, allowing teams to focus on the aerodynamic and power unit changes expected in the coming years.
How the Tender Process Works
Pirelli secured its current position following a competitive tender process. Under FIA regulations, the governing body is required to open a formal bidding process for the tire supply contract to ensure commercial and technical transparency.
Manufacturers interested in supplying the sport must submit detailed technical proposals. The FIA evaluates these proposals based on:
* Ability to meet performance requirements across various track temperatures and conditions.
* Commitment to sustainability goals, including the use of recycled materials.
* Capacity to manage the logistics of a global calendar.
While Bridgestone reportedly submitted a bid during the most recent tender cycle, the FIA and Formula 1 management ultimately selected Pirelli. This decision-making process balances technical reliability with the commercial interests of the sport.
What This Means for Formula 1 Sustainability
A significant component of the extended agreement is a heightened focus on environmental sustainability. Pirelli has committed to obtaining Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all tires used in the sport. This certification ensures that natural rubber used in the tires is sourced from plantations managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers.
This shift aligns with Formula 1’s broader goal of achieving a Net Zero Carbon footprint by 2030. By integrating these requirements into the supply contract, the sport forces rapid innovation in tire compounds and production methods that eventually filter down to consumer road tires.
Historical Context of the Single-Supplier Model
Pirelli has served as the exclusive tire supplier since 2011, replacing Bridgestone. Before the current single-supplier era, Formula 1 frequently saw “tire wars,” where multiple manufacturers like Michelin, Goodyear, and Firestone competed to provide the fastest rubber.
The move to a single-supplier model was designed to:
* Control Costs: Teams no longer need to fund expensive private tire testing sessions.
* Level the Playing Field: Every team receives the same product, preventing a performance gap based on tire development advantages.
* Improve Show: The FIA can dictate specific performance characteristics, such as tires that degrade at a certain rate, to encourage more strategic pit stops and overtaking.
As of the current agreement, Pirelli is contracted to be the sole supplier through the 2027 season, with the possibility of the 2028 season depending on final internal confirmations within the FIA and Formula 1.