Abu Dhabi Verstappen (motorposrtweek.com)
Former F1 Driver Suggests Competition Between Tyre Manufacturers for Enhanced Racing
Former Formula 1 race winner David Coulthard has proposed the reintroduction of multiple tyre suppliers in Formula 1 to increase competition and potentially disrupt Red Bull’s current dominance in the sport. Red Bull has been highly successful since the return to ground effect machinery in 2022, winning the majority of races and clinching consecutive championship doubles.
Coulthard, who concluded his F1 career with Red Bull in 2008, believes that a competition between two tyre manufacturers would add excitement to the races. In the past, F1 had separate tyre providers from 2001 to 2006, with Bridgestone and Michelin being prominent fixtures. However, from the 2007 season, Bridgestone took on exclusive rights, and Pirelli has been the sole tyre supplier since 2011, securing rights until 2027.
“I don’t think there’s a desire right now to have a tyre competition, but I think it would be better,” Coulthard expressed on the Formula for Success podcast. He suggested that having different tyre manufacturers could lead to a competitive shift from circuit to circuit based on the tyres’ performance.
While Coulthard sees the potential for more exciting racing with multiple tyre suppliers, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan expressed caution about the financial implications such a move might entail. He raised concerns about how to introduce competition without causing a significant increase in costs.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the possibility but emphasized that any return to a tyre war would only be considered if costs could be controlled. He explained that the decision to move away from tyre competition in the past was driven by the massive costs associated with extensive testing, mileage, and research. Domenicali noted that while the idea is not currently on the agenda, it could be a possibility in the future if costs are effectively managed.
The prospect of reintroducing multiple tyre suppliers in Formula 1 remains a topic of discussion, with differing opinions on its feasibility and potential impact on the sport.