As the sole manufacturer, Pirelli is always criticized when things go wrong, but a second tire supplier would be unthinkable at this stage
Since 2007, there has only been one tire manufacturer in Formula 1, supplying all teams with the same tires. Many fans would like to see a so-called “tire war” like the one between Bridgestone and Michelin in the early 2000s, but this will not happen in the foreseeable future
In October, Pirelli was once again confirmed as the single manufacturer for the premier class until the 2027 season – with an option for the 2028 season. Competitor Bridgestone was thus left empty-handed, but would also have been the sole supplier in the event of success.
Pirelli has been in a somewhat peculiar position for years. Although the Italians automatically win every race, the manufacturer is often criticized when something doesn’t work. Wouldn’t a second manufacturer sometimes be better?
“That was a decision that not only Formula 1 but also many other championships made years ago,
The main reason was of course to reduce costs, because competition is always more expensive because the tires have to be constantly developed and tested. In addition, you would first have to find the freedom to go testing. The teams are already reluctant to take part in test days for Pirelli
Hardly any free space for testing
In the upcoming season, there will be two more races than in 2023, forcing the teams to rely more on staff rotation. “You can’t imagine how difficult it would be for the teams to organize the engineers, mechanics and drivers to complete the additional tests,” says Isola.
“It is already difficult for us to find teams that are available for testing. It would be even more difficult with another manufacturer.”
To do this, the system would have to be changed somehow so that testing could still be accommodated, but the Italian believes this is currently difficult. “It costs a lot of money, but it’s not a decision that Pirelli makes. This concerns the FIA, which organizes the championship, and Formula 1 as the promoter. “
Pirelli emphasizes: Have advertised tires “positively “
This means that the tire manufacturer will once again have to go it alone and try to offer a sport that is fair but also entertaining. And if that doesn’t work, Pirelli is often criticized.
“As the sole manufacturer, we sometimes get bad press when a tire doesn’t work,” says Isola, but also says: “I think we have managed to promote the tire positively over the twelve years. “
“We had different specifications, different strategies. Of course, it’s easier to get bad headlines if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, we know this from many years. As the sole manufacturer, the winner is the winner, he is the best. And then the rest complain about the tires, but that’s part of the game that we’ve known for many years now.”
He emphasizes: “If you look at Formula 1 over the past twelve years, there have also been many positive examples of how the tires have been able to put on a better show. “
