Former F1 supplier targeting stunning grand prix comeback

Bridgestone is actively pushing to return to Formula 1 as a tyre supplier, RacingNews365 understands.

The Japanese manufacturer has kept a low profile, but it was present at several grands prix over the last couple of months, with its involvement becoming far more visible at the last two rounds in Singapore and the United States.

A delegation of high-level Bridgestone experts attended both races, holding background discussions about the company's planned involvement and a possible return to the sport. Bridgestone last supplied F1 at the end of 2010, before Pirelli took over as the championship's exclusive tyre supplier in 2011.

Pirelli's current deal was extended in 2023 to cover the 2025 to 2027 seasons, and the FIA activated a one-year extension option in July 2026. That means the Milan-based manufacturer is locked in as F1's tyre supplier until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.

The contract is awarded through a tender process. The FIA opens the tender, selects a winner, and then makes a proposal to Formula 1 to begin commercial and business negotiations before finalising the deal.

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A Japanese key F1 figure

Sources with insight into the matter, when asked by RacingNews365, give Bridgestone a strong chance of being the next selected manufacturer. 

It is understood that the Japanese company is preparing to return to F1 with a technological, business and commercial package that is stronger compared to its previous bid, which was already widely considered to be robust. 

During its first spell in F1, Bridgestone competed between 1997 and 2006 in a tyre war with Michelin, before becoming the exclusive supplier in 2007 until its withdrawal four seasons later after the 2010 campaign.

Bridgestone restructured its motorsport division in 2025 and signed a key figure, Hiroshi Imai, to lead the organisation, signalling its F1 intentions. 

Imai, re-signed by Bridgestone after a previous spell between 1990 and 2008 before he left to join McLaren, was a member of the company's high-level delegation at the races in Singapore and Austin. 

Imai worked at McLaren from 2009 to 2025, serving as chief race engineer, suspension and brakes performance director, and in his final years, director of race engineering. He was highly respected at the Woking team, where his departure was viewed as a significant loss.

 Several of RacingNews365's paddock sources have stated that the company's F1 ambitions were behind "luring" back Imai. 

However, they also noted that the technological standards are strong enough for F1, as the company is active in numerous high-level racing series.

Bridgestone took over as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E for the 2026–27 season, and is present in IndyCar through its Firestone brand. It also competes in Super GT and other series.

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Other suppliers also interested

Although our sources suggest that Bridgestone's bid will be even stronger than last time, a serious battle could unfold for the role of tyre supplier. 

The pinnacle of motor racing gives the selected company an unrivalled opportunity to develop and demonstrate its technology level, as well as worldwide premium visibility and an incomparable marketing platform. 

It is highly likely that more companies will be interested in the role. 

Despite its decade-and-a-half presence, it cannot be ruled out that Pirelli will try to continue. According to our information, other manufacturers are also preparing for the tender. 

Hankook's interest has been well known for some time, but there are also rumours that even Michelin might take a shot at the challenge.