Formula One has taken a major step towards Net Zero after the Bahrain Grand Prix – last Thursday – marked the first time all tyres used in the race were certified to FSC standards.
The milestone came after Pirelli – the world’s sixth-largest tyre retailer – secured the exclusive rights to supply all F1 manufacturers until at least the end of 2027 after securing a deal with FIA and Formula 1 in October.
It comes after Pirelli, in 2021, introduced the world’s first FSC-certified tyre – known as the Pirelli P Zero, which was purpose-built to be used in BMW’s X5 Plug-In Hybrid model, which itself uses FSC-certified natural rubber, rayon and other materials.
According to FSC International the milestone was enormous for six million smallholders worldwide are responsible for 80% of the world’s natural rubber production.Â
Pirelli took over from Bridgestone as the official tyre supplier and was in a bidding war over the highly lucrative contract. The announcement came just a few days after the FIA had to mandate a maximum of 18-lap stints in the Qatar GP due to tyre issues, as Pirelli identified a microscopic separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords.
The choice was rubber-stamped by the World Motor Sport Council, as reported by Autosport in October
This time, the process was made more complicated by F2 and F3 being wrapped into a single package and by the requirement for the contenders to meet challenging sustainability targets.
In a media statement, FSC said its rubber plantation has increased within countries producing certified rubber, including Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala, whilst certified rubber production is increasing in Vietnam, China, and Colombia.
“Rubber is truly embedded in the automotive industry, and more companies must follow the movement towards sustainability through FSC certification, which confirms that forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards,” according to Fabian Farkas, Chief Commercial Officer at FSC International.
According to Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, “Pirelli has been an invaluable partner, supporting F1 through new generations of technology and technical regulations and delivering tyres to enable fantastic racing for our fans.”
“The company’s commitment to quality, innovation and their deep knowledge of our sport will be vital in the coming years as we approach our new regulations in 2026,” he said.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed the role of sustainability in the decision.
“Pirelli has been operating at the top level of motorsport for many years, and I am sure that they will continue to deliver innovation and excellence on the world stage,” he said.
“F1 is a unique challenge for the tyre supplier, and Pirelli has demonstrated great commitment to producing tyres that meet the extreme demands of these incredible cars.”
“Work will continue in the coming years to take further strides in performance and sustainability, and Pirelli has made strong commitments to both of these targets.”
