Michael Schumacher’s $28 Billion Worth Former Ally Aiming F1 Return May be a Huge Boon for Ferrari’s Big Weakness

Every component of a car makes a huge difference during the race. Ferrari can attest to that, as we witnessed multiple singular aspects of their car hampering their race throughout the 2022 season. One consistent among those singular aspects of Ferrari’s troubles throughout 2022 was tire degradation. However, according to reports, a new F1 might see old tire manufacturers make a return. The same manufacturers that saw Michael Schumacher win five of the seven championships.

We are talking about Bridgestone. The 28 billion-dollar Japanese company is pushing to become the sole tire supplier of Formula 1, starting from 2025 till the 2027 season. The Japanese company will have an option for a one-year extension if it can acquire the contract. This will be good news for Ferrari as they have been struggling massively with tire degradation in the Pirelli tires.

However, according to a report by Motorsport-Total, neither Bridgestone nor Pirelli has applied so far. Interested manufacturers have until mid-May to apply to become the sole supplier. Post application to the FIA, the tires will be subjected to intensive tests to determine the best available option. The tests will conclude in mid-June and then the companies still will have to navigate through the commercial framework conditions.

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However, despite the competition and criticism, the current manufacturer, Pirelli, remains the favorite. The Italian team’s application is being considered a mere formality. Although the manager Mario Isola believes it won’t be easy to renew the contract.

The winning combination of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari might not become a reality with Pirelli’s stronghold

Pirelli’s manager Isola believes it will not be straightforward to beat the competition for the 2025 contract. Although the Italian company is also supplying tires to Formula 2 & 3 to improve sustainability in F1.

“13 years is a long time and going on for another three, four years is also a bigger commitment, but the sport is very healthy, we are happy with the current situation,” said Isola. “We are now in the process of analyzing the rather long document. It’s different than in the past as there are many more pages to analyze, but the general feeling is that we want to apply and move on,” he added.

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We should know more before the end of the season in which way the future of F1 tires tips. However, as things stand, it’s Pirelli taking the win.