Bridgestone: No tyre supply ‘this time’ but F1 open to our tech & sustainability

Formula One is sticking with Pirelli as tyre supplier for the 2025 to 2027 seasons, but Bridgestone comments that both the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Group (FOG) responded favourably to its proposed “advanced innovative technology and sustainability initiatives.” Furthermore, the Japanese manufacturer doesn’t rule out throwing its hat into the F1 ring at a later date.

“Motorsport is a ‘challenge for excellence’ for Bridgestone and it underpins our mission ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’. It is a point of pride and passion, and it always will be,” comments Ishibashi, global chief executive officer of Bridgestone Corporation. “Motorsport represents a relentless commitment to the evolution of technology, production, logistics, brand power, and talent development to reinforce the foundation of global premium tyre business in 60 years of challenges. With this in mind, Bridgestone announced that we are returning to its origin as tyre manufacturers and restarting our journey for global motorsports in our 2023 Motorsports plan announcement on March 10.

“While Bridgestone will not be able to support F1 this time, the process received positive recognition from FIA and FOG and has reinforced the value being created by Bridgestone’s advanced innovative technology, including sustainability initiatives across the value chain and the ‘Ultimate Customization’ of its new Enliten technology, which can be changed based on the needs of different racing conditions,” Ishibashi continues. “Likewise, Bridgestone will continue to passionately push its technology and innovation through the mobile lab and proving ground that motorsport offers, strengthening its pursuit of sustainable global premium motorsport activities.”

Renewed interest in motorsport

Earlier this year, Bridgestone announced it would reinforce its motorsport initiatives, a focus the tyre maker views as a “restarting” of its “journey for global motorsports.” The company considers F1 to be the “world’s most prestigious global motorsport platform” and thus studied the series as “one of the various options to support its sustainable global premium motorsports strategy.”