Pirelli Extends Sole Formula 1 Tyre Supply Deal Through 2028

Pirelli has confirmed an extension of its agreement as Formula 1's sole tyre supplier, securing its position on the grid through the end of 2028. The FIA exercised a contractual option to maintain the partnership, ensuring operational consistency as the sport continues to refine its technical and regulatory landscape.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 regulatory overhaul now in full swing, stability in critical performance components is paramount. A change in tyre supplier at this stage would have introduced significant variables into current chassis and power unit development cycles. By locking in Pirelli, F1 avoids potential volatility in tyre performance and degradation patterns, allowing teams to focus on optimizing their cars for the current era without the uncertainty of a new rubber compound.

The details:

• Strategic Partnership: Pirelli has evolved from a simple vendor to a strategic partner, having contributed to over 500 Grands Prix and becoming deeply embedded in the sport's competitive fabric.
• R&D Laboratory: The partnership serves as a high-stress testing ground for cutting-edge materials. Pirelli utilizes F1 as a laboratory to innovate technical solutions that eventually trickle down to road-legal tyre technology.
• Leadership Alignment: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that the extension provides "peace of mind" for teams, relying on Pirelli's proven track record of quality and performance.

What's next:

As the sport progresses toward 2028, the focus will shift toward further sustainability goals and the continued evolution of tyre compounds to match the agility and power of the 2026-spec cars. This extension provides a clear runway for Pirelli to refine its offerings and maintain the spectacle on track without the disruption of a pending tender process.