FÓRMULA-1

Why isn't Michelin interested in Formula 1?

About a month ago, the FIA published an invitation to tire manufacturers to apply for the exclusive Formula 1 supply agreement that will start in 2025 and last for three or four seasons.

Everything indicates that Pirelli will remain the sole supplier of tires for the jewel in the crown of motorsport, as Michelin has made it clear that it has no plans to return to Formula 1 because the FIA wants F1 tires to wear out quickly so that they need be changed more often.

According to Michelin, this is not necessarily what it stands for as a company and would like to participate if these “rules” change.

Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin, said: The question is how can we use technology to make a good show? And that's where F1 comes in. We talked to them a long time ago and we disagree. They put a lot of emphasis on tire degradation because they think that way more pit stops, tire management during the race the show improves. And I don't think we know how to do it. So we can't agree. Teams need to understand tire performance and take advantage of tire performance from the first to the last lap on the track.

Menegaux also explained the reasons why Michelin is involved in motorsport: First of all, it's not about the show. It's not about the brand. It's about technology. We're in racing because it's the best way to test new technology in real conditions very quickly.

Of course there are other advantages. One of them is the show. An added benefit is brand recognition. But in terms of brand recognition, Michelin is one of the best known brands in the world. We don't need to do that.

2006 was the last time Michelin was present in Formula 1. Pirelli has been F1's sole tire supplier since 2011, with an exclusive contract until 2024. The Italian tire manufacturer must re-apply to retain exclusive supplier rights . The company that wins the contract will also keep the tires for the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.

The new tires will pay more attention to sustainability, as an extension of F1's effort to have a zero carbon footprint by 2030. In addition, the tires will be equipped with electronic identification to improve the efficiency of technician procedures.

Reporting: Kyriakos Pilidis