The FIA recently opened the tender for the F1 tyre contract from 2025 to 2027, with an option for it to be extended by another year.
Last week the selection process moved on to its second stage, as F1’s governing body completed its evaluation of applicants and selected approved bidders.
It is understood that Pirelli and Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone have been chosen to go forward.
While there has been no formal confirmation from the FIA about Bridgestone’s bid, Pirelli is aware that it faces competition for the future F1 deal.
And while it beat rival Hankook to secure the last tyre tender from 2020 to 2023 (which was subsequently extended by one year), Pirelli’s F1 chief Mario Isola has explained why the battle to win this contract will be so much more difficult.
“What …