With the FIA having recently opened the tyre tender process for F1, F2 and F3, it is yet to be seen whether a company will seek to challenge Pirelli’s position as the sport’s sole supplier.
The new contract will cover a three year period from 2025-27, with the option of extending the deal until 2028.
Despite the opportunity to return to the sport, it seems French tyre manufacture Michelin has no interest in submitting a bid, seeing no point in creating tyres that “destroy themselves.”
Michelin supplied tyres to F1 until 2006 and it doesn’t appear likely they’ll be back on the grid anytime sooner, according to the company’s CEO Florent Menegaux.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“The question is, how do we leverage technology to have a good show?” Menegaux said.
“And that’s where F1 comes into play because we have been discussing with them for a very long time, and we are not in agreement.
“Because they say to have the show, you have to have tyres that destroy themselves. And I think we don’t know how to do this. So, we cannot agree.
“Teams should be understanding tyre performance and capitalising on the fact that the tyre is going to be performing from the first lap around the circuit to the last.
“The drivers will tell you they want to be at their maximum all the time. And when I hear the drivers in Formula 1 – I like Formula 1 – but they say ‘No no, it’s not possible’.”
Menegaux also claimed that Michelin doesn’t need to be involved in Formula 1 to promote its brand.
“First, we need to remind ourselves why Michelin is in racing,” added Menegaux.
“The first element is not about the show. It’s not about the brand. It’s about the technology.
READ: Mercedes reveal unusual reason for George Russell’s Australia DNF
“We are in racing because it’s the best way to very quickly live test new technology. That’s the first reason.
“And of course, there are side benefits. A side benefit is the show. A side benefit is brand awareness.
“But in terms of brand awareness, Michelin is one of the best-known brands in the world. We don’t need to do this.”