Bridgestone issued a statement Tuesday in response to its failed bid to become Formula 1’s tyre supplier from 2025 through 2027.
The Japanese manufacturer, which also had a brief dabble in F1 in the late seventies, was last involved in the sport in 2010, withdrawing at the end of that season.
However, the company lost out in its attempts to replace current tyre supplier Pirelli, who succeeded Bridgestone in 2011 and will continue in the sport until at least 2027.
In response to losing out to Pirelli, Bridgestone released a lengthy statement regarding its intentions in both F1 and wider motorsport.
“F1 is the world’s most prestigious global motorsport platform and Bridgestone has been studying F1 as one of the various options to support its sustainable global premium motorsports strategy,” it stated.
“Bridgestone has sincerely and continuously been communicating with FIA and FOG regarding the next tire tender period for F1 and proposed advanced innovative technology and sustainability initiatives.”
On behalf of the company, Shuichi Ishibashi, Member of the Board, Global CEO and Representative Executive Officer of Bridgestone also made lengthy remarks.
“Motorsport represents a relentless commitment to the evolution of technology, production, logistics, brand power, and talent development to reinforce the foundation of global premium tire business in 60 years of challenges,” he said.
“With this in mind, Bridgestone announced that we are returning to its origin as tire manufacturers and restarting our journey for global motorsports in our 2023 Motorsports plan announcement on March 10.
“While Bridgestone will not be able to support F1 this time, the process received positive recognition from FIA and FOG and has reinforced the value being created by Bridgestone’s advanced innovative technology, including sustainability initiatives across the value chain and the “Ultimate Customization” of its new ENLITEN® technology, which can be changed based on the needs of different racing conditions.
“Likewise, Bridgestone will continue to passionately push its technology and innovation through the mobile lab and proving ground that motorsport offers, strengthening its pursuit of sustainable global premium motorsport activities.
“Through its ongoing efforts, Bridgestone will drive greater passion for motorsport, earn emotion and empathy, and promote co-creation for a sustainable future together with many partners.”
Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology sees tyres produced out of recycled and renewable materials, as well as producing lighter tyres with improved wear and rolling resistance.
Should Pirelli bow out of F1, Bridgestone’s focus on renewable tyre technology could see it welcomed back into the fold, as F1 chases a net zero carbon footprint target for 2030.
