Pirelli's Hembery Urges F1 to Improve Relations with Suppliers
Paul Hembery has called for Formula One to strengthen its cooperation with technical partners as Pirelli weighs its future in the sport.
Paul Hembery, head of Pirelli Motorsport, has warned that Formula One risks losing key technical partners if it does not improve how it works with suppliers. Speaking at Monza in September 2015, Hembery said that Pirelli’s continued involvement as F1’s sole tyre supplier beyond 2016 would depend on changes to the sport’s approach, particularly around testing and communication.
Pirelli has supplied tyres to Formula One since 2011, but its tenure has not been without controversy. Recent races at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza saw high-profile tyre failures and a dispute over tyre pressures, putting the Italian firm under renewed scrutiny from teams, drivers and the media. Hembery described the role as sometimes “thankless” and called for more realistic expectations of what a tyre supplier can deliver under current restrictions.
The battle to supply F1 tyres beyond 2016 has intensified, with Michelin also in contention for the contract. Pirelli has made it clear that it will require greater access to on-track testing if it is to continue, arguing that the current limitations make it difficult to develop tyres that meet the sport’s demands. Hembery said that Formula One must demonstrate it can work collaboratively with its partners to attract and retain suppliers.
Testing and communication demands
At Monza, Pirelli secured an agreement with F1 stakeholders that criticism of its tyres would be handled privately, rather than in public. Hembery emphasised the need for a “clearer exchange” between suppliers, teams and organisers to ensure everyone works towards the same objectives. He also stressed that more extensive testing is a non-negotiable condition for Pirelli’s continued involvement.
Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One’s commercial boss at the time, was reported to favour Pirelli’s continued involvement. Hembery acknowledged Ecclestone’s support but pointed out that the sport’s ability to attract technical partners could be damaged if suppliers are not treated as genuine collaborators. According to Hembery, Formula One must show it can support and work effectively with its partners if it hopes to secure the services of major suppliers in the future.
With the tyre supply contract undecided for 2017 and beyond, the next steps from F1’s organisers and teams will be watched closely by suppliers across motorsport. For further background on F1’s technical supplier dynamics, seeMercedes Open to Supplying Engines to Red Bull for 2016.
