Goodyear confirms it will not bid for 2017 F1 tyre contract
Goodyear has officially ruled itself out of the running for Formula One’s 2017-2019 tyre supply contract, leaving Pirelli and Michelin as the main contenders.
Goodyear has officially announced it will not submit a bid to become Formula One’s tyre supplier for the 2017-2019 seasons. This decision coincided with the FIA’s application deadline on 17 June 2015. The company, which last competed in F1 in 1998, had been the subject of speculation about a possible return to the sport. However, Goodyear made clear that it would not participate in the tender process for the next contract period.
Goodyear Confirms No F1 Return for 2017-2019
Background: Tyre Supplier Changes in F1
The FIA opened the tender for the official F1 tyre contract for 2017 to 2019, inviting interested companies to submit their bids. Pirelli, the current supplier since 2011, and Michelin, a former supplier last active in 2006, both entered the competition. Goodyear had been linked with a potential bid, but its absence was confirmed as the deadline passed. Bridgestone, a Japanese multinational that last supplied F1 tyres in 2010 and is currently active in MotoGP and Indycar (via Firestone), also confirmed it would not bid for a return to F1.
Goodyear's Statement and F1 Heritage
A spokesperson for Goodyear Dunlop Motorsport Europe reiterated the company’s pride in its Formula One legacy. Goodyear remains the most successful tyre supplier in F1 history, with 368 grand prix victories. Although the company will not be involved in the 2017-2019 contract period, it has not entirely ruled out a future return to the sport. This leaves open the possibility of Goodyear re-entering F1 at a later date, depending on future opportunities and the direction of the championship.
Implications for the 2017-2019 F1 Tyre Contract
With Goodyear and Bridgestone both out of the running, the FIA’s decision is now between Pirelli and Michelin. The outcome will determine which company supplies tyres as Formula One introduces new technical regulations for 2017. The choice of tyre supplier can influence race strategies, car design, and overall competition, making this decision significant for teams and fans alike. The new supplier will need to adapt to the evolving requirements of F1, including changes in car specifications and performance demands.
The tender process and the resulting decision will shape the landscape of Formula One in the coming years, as teams and stakeholders prepare for the technical and sporting changes ahead. Goodyear’s absence from the process marks the end of speculation about a return, but its historical achievements continue to be recognised within the sport.
