FIA Extends Pirelli Tyre Partnership Through 2028

The FIA has formally extended its agreement with Pirelli, ensuring the Italian tyre giant remains the sole supplier for Formula 1 until the conclusion of the 2028 season. This decision comes after a mutual agreement between the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and Pirelli to activate a one-year option on a contract originally signed at the end of 2023.

Why it matters:

Maintaining continuity in tyre supply is critical as the sport navigates the first full year of the 2026 technical regulations. With the current transition to new power unit and chassis rules, introducing the volatility of a new tyre supplier would have created unnecessary technical risk. By securing Pirelli, the FIA ensures a stable baseline for performance and safety while teams continue to calibrate their cars to the new era's specifications.

The Details:

• Contractual Timeline: The previous agreement was slated for 2025-2027; the newly activated option extends this partnership through 2028.
• Comprehensive Scope: The extension is not limited to the top tier; Pirelli will continue to supply the feeder series, Formula 2 and Formula 3, for the same duration.
• Performance Validation: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Pirelli for delivering a "consistently high standard of performance, innovation, and safety," noting the manufacturer's ability to meet the extreme demands of the current sport.

The Big Picture:

This extension underscores a broader strategy of technical stability. As we move through June 2026, the focus for teams is optimizing the interaction between the new 2026-spec aerodynamic packages and the rubber. Pirelli's deep institutional knowledge of F1's evolution allows the FIA to focus on regulatory refinements rather than the logistical and technical hurdles of onboarding a new partner.

What's next:

With the roadmap now clear until 2028, Pirelli can focus on long-term compound development specifically tailored for the 2026-spec machinery. This stability allows for a more iterative approach to tyre evolution, ensuring the rubber keeps pace with the sport's shift toward increased sustainability and efficiency over the next few seasons.