Michelin rules out F1 return for 2020

Michelin has ruled out a return to Formula 1 under the tyre tender starting in 2020 amid uncertainty over the tender supply requirements.

Michelin last enjoyed involvement in F1 in 2006 before the sport switched to a sole supplier, a role Pirelli has enjoyed since 2011, with its contract due to expire at the end of the 2019 season.

The FIA confirmed in July F1 would switch to 18-inch tyres from the 2021 season under the revised technical regulations, but with the new tyre tender starting in 2020, any supplier would be required to produce two different specifications of tyres for consecutive seasons.

While there was interest in the switch to 18-inch tyres, Michelin confirmed on Friday there would be no bid for the new tyre supply due to the requirement for 13-inch tyres in 2020, as well as the continued push for performance of the tyres to drop through the race in order to create strategic variety.

"It is well known that Michelin is already engaged in a wide range of world-class motor sports such as MotoGP, WEC, WRC, Formula E and more,” a statement from Michelin reads.

“This unique and very broad portfolio corresponds to the vision of the Michelin Group: indeed Michelin is competing to innovate for the benefit of its customers and sustainable mobility.

"As far as Formula 1 is concerned, we have received the technical specifications on which the FIA call for tenders has been issued and we have studied it carefully. Michelin's recommendations for a switch to 18-inch tyres, as in Formula E, have been taken up by the authorities, which we are delighted about.

“However, the demand for the supply of 13-inch tyres for the 2020 season alone, as well as the deterioration of performance as a part of the show, goes against our principles of efficient resource management and respect for the technology of a sustainable tyre.

"Michelin has therefore decided to refrain from any response to this invitation to tender and will continue to follow, in conjunction with its governing bodies, the developments of Formula 1 in the coming years.”

Today (August 31) is the deadline for submissions for the tyre tender, with a decision regarding the compliance with the technical and safety requirements due on September 14.