Michelin Deny Interest in Supplying F1

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has confirmed it has turned down the opportunity to return to F1 in 2020.

Last month the FIA sent out an invitation to potential tyre suppliers to submit bids to become the official F1 tyre supplier from 2020 to 2023. Michelin was one of the contenders to succeed Pirelli. Although they submitted a tender, on deadline day, they confirmed that they will not make a submission.

“It is well known that Michelin is already engaged in a wide range of world-class motor sports such as MotoGP, WEC, WRC, Formula E and more,” a spokesperson said. “This unique and very broad portfolio corresponds to the vision of the Michelin Group: indeed Michelin is competing to innovate for the benefit of its customers and sustainable mobility.

“As far as Formula 1 is concerned, we have received the technical specifications on which the FIA call for tenders has been issued and we have studied it carefully. Michelin’s recommendations for a switch to 18-inch tyres, as in Formula E, have been taken up by the authorities, which we are delighted about.

“However, the demand for the supply of 13-inch tyres for the 2020 season alone, as well as the deterioration of performance as a part of the show, goes against our principles of efficient resource management and respect for the technology of a sustainable tyre.

“Michelin has therefore decided to refrain from any response to this invitation to tender and will continue to follow, in conjunction with its governing bodies, the developments of Formula 1 in the coming years.”

With Pirelli’s contract expiring, the race is on between the various tyre manufacturers to supply F1. Among them is South Korean tyre brand, Hankook. What further complicates matters is the introduction of 18-inch tyres beyond 2021. Sadly, it seems that we may not get a tyre war like how it was in the early 2000s.