Bridgestone unveil Formula E tyres ahead of world championship return

Bridgestone has unveiled its tyres ahead of becoming the sole tyre supplier for the Formula E world championship from the upcoming 2026/27 season, marking the manufacturer's return to an FIA world championship for the first time since it left Formula 1 at the end of the 2010 season.

The Japanese manufacturer unveiled its plans and tyres at a Formula E World Premiere event in Rome on Wednesday attended by RacingNews365, ahead of the introduction of the all-new Gen4 car next season.

The Gen4 is set to be the fastest and most powerful car in Formula E history, with a top speed of 335 km/h and peak power of 815bhp. It also features permanent active all-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds.

To cope with those demands, Bridgestone has developed a bespoke "Potenza Gen4" tyre, offering high grip, durability and adaptability to different road and weather conditions worldwide. 

However, in a significant move, a dedicated wet-weather version, the "Potenza Gen4 for Typhoon tyre," has also been developed to provide grip in heavy rain and standing water. It has been for a number of years a high demand amongst the drivers.

Bridgestone ready for highly-anticipated FIA world championship comeback

Sustainability sits at the core of the new tyres, with 65 per cent of each tyre made up of recycled and renewable materials, including carbon black derived from pyrolysis oil from end-of-life tyres and silica sourced from rice husks. 

Natural rubber used in the tyres comes from supply chains vetted through Bridgestone's own due diligence process and verified by a third party under the GPSNR Assurance System. Production is powered entirely by renewable energy, while low-carbon logistics are being used to cut emissions further.

Bridgestone Global CEO and Representative Executive Officer Yasuhiro Morita said the switch to Formula E represents a natural evolution of the brand's motorsport ambitions.

"Our return to the FIA World Championship is an exciting re-entry that embodies Bridgestone's history of passion and innovation," Morita said.

"Under our Mission 'Serving Society with Superior Quality,' we have continued to push the limits with an insatiable quest for performance and a sense of responsibility for a better future through motorsport activities. 

"On the supreme stage of Formula E, we will further evolve the balance of performance and sustainability and pioneer a new future for mobility. Together with organisers, teams, drivers, partners, and fans, we look forward to creating a new future."

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds welcomed the new partnership, pointing to the Gen4's sustainable credentials as well as the scale of Bridgestone's motorsport pedigree.

"We are delighted to welcome Bridgestone to Formula E as our sole tyre supplier for the 2026/27 Season and beyond," Dodds said.

"Combining rich motorsport heritage with cutting-edge sustainable innovation, Bridgestone is a fitting partner as we embark on this exciting new era. The Gen4 car represents the pinnacle of sustainable motorsport design, and we look forward to working with Bridgestone as we continue to redefine electric racing and lead the race for progress both on and off the track."