Michelin CEO continues to reject a return to F1! Refuses to produce tyres that self-destruct for the big show

Pirelli has been the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1 since 2011, but with its contract expiring after the 2024 season, speculation is starting to swirl about a potential replacement for the Italian brand. One candidate could be the world’s largest tyre manufacturer Michelin. However, the latter is at odds with F1 over the importance of tyre wear for spectator entertainment.

Michelin produced tyres for F1 between 2001 and 2006. Back then, it was one of two options for teams to choose from – competing with Japan’s Bridgestone. But this time it would not have to compete with anyone for customers, even so it refuses to return to the queen of motorsport.

“The question is how we use technology to have a good show. And that’s what we’ve been discussing from F1 for a long time and we can’t agree. Because F1 says that to have a show you have to have tyres that get destroyed. And I think that’s something we don’t know how to do at Michelin, so we can’t agree,” said Michelin CEO Florent Menegaux in an interview with The Drive.

“Teams should understand tyre performance and take advantage of the fact that their tyres will work from the first lap to the last lap. The riders will tell you they want to ride at their maximum throughout the race. But when I hear Formula One drivers, they say that’s not possible,” he explains.

Michelin currently produces tyres for MotoGP where it is possible to finish a race on any of the optional kits without changing. Menegaux says this philosophy also benefits racing.

It works in MotoGP…

“It depends on the set-up of the bike, the type of circuit and how the rider performs in the race. In MotoGP, even teams that are not at the top can win. And they’ll tell you that the tyres we supply help them to do that. That’s why we’re not back in F1,” he added.

Fast-destroying tyres have another set of disadvantages. For example, because of their ease of wear, significantly more sets are used over a weekend than would be necessary, resulting in the consumption of huge amounts of material. This is also one of the reasons why the French company still refuses to return to F1.

Michelin is also not attracted by the media attention it would receive by participating in Formula 1. According to Menegaux, the company is all about testing new technology, and potential advertising would be a bonus.

Unless the FIA makes drastic regulatory changes, the French giant is unlikely to return. Apart from Pirelli, no other manufacturer has yet officially expressed its intention to become a new F1 tyre supplier, so most likely the contract with the Milan-based firm will be extended.

Sources: The Drive, MotoGP