(Motorsports news) The latest arrangement of Pirelli, which also covers the supply of F2 and F3, contains an option for a fourth season in 2028 from the FIA and F1. The tender procedure began in March, with the two finalists submitting thorough technical dossiers outlining their ambitions to the FIA. The regulatory board granted approval to both firms, and the next step was to reach a commercial agreement with F1.
Bridgestone is said to have made a significant financial offer, but F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media preferred to remain with the tried and true Pirelli. The World Motor Sport Council just approved the choice, as reported last week. This time, the process was complicated by the combination of F2 and F3, as well as the obligation for the competitors to achieve stringent sustainability standards as F1 approaches its Net Zero 2030 goal.
As a result, beginning in 2024, all Pirelli F1 tyres will be Forest Stewardship Council certified. Pirelli states that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) “ensures full traceability of forest-based materials along the supply chain and confirms that the plantations of the forest-based components of the tyres are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and brings benefits to the lives of local communities and workers, while fostering economic sustainability.”
If Pirelli is awarded the additional option season in 2028, it will have been F1’s exclusive supplier for 18 seasons. It has previously stated that this deal will most likely be its last, however this was not addressed in the company’s formal announcement today. “Since returning to the sport in 2011, Pirelli has been an invaluable partner, supporting F1 through new generations of technology and technical regulations, and delivering tyres to enable fantastic racing for our fans,” Domenicali said.
“The company’s commitment to quality, innovation and their deep knowledge of our sport will be vital in the coming years as we approach our new regulations in 2026 and the work Pirelli is focused on relating to sustainability, proven by the FSC certification, will ensure we continue to work together towards our shared Net Zero 2030 goal.”
The relevance of sustainability in the decision was again emphasized by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Pirelli has been operating at the top level of motor sport for many years and I am sure that they will continue to deliver innovation and excellence on the world stage,” he was quoted as saying.
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