Skip to content

Michelin submit bid to become F1's tyre supplier from 2017

French firm confirm their proposal is to move to 18-inch rims

Michelin tyre

Michelin have submitted their application to return to F1 in 2017 as the sport’s official tyre supplier.

Current supplier Pirelli’s deal ends at the end of next season and in May the FIA put the contract to be the sole tyre supplier from 2017-2019 out to tender.

Michelin last competed in F1 in 2006 when they were part of a tyre war with Bridgestone and they want to change the direction F1 has headed in having become disillusioned with recent developments.

"We are disappointed where it is today tyre-wise," said Michelin's motorsport director Pascal Couasnon.

"If you want to be credible and consistent then you cannot complain or comment if you don't bring solutions.

More from The Future Of F1

"So it has made sense for me to say if we have ideas, then let's go and propose these ideas and we'll see if people are interested or not.

"We want to be coherent with our proposals and offer the opportunity to the teams and the drivers to have a tyre that enables everyone to express themselves and drive to the max."

Michelin confirmed their proposal would be based on 18-inch wheels rather than the current 13-inch rims.

However, Mercedes chief Paddy Lowe and Ferrari's James Allison voiced their disapproval at that concept at this month's Canadian Grand Prix, while F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is said to be keen to keep Pirelli as the sport's sole tyre supplier.

Around Sky