On November 19, 2010, Felipe Massa tested Pirelli’s new black rubber for 2011 on his Ferrari F10. The Italians returned after an absence of 20 years. To date, Pirelli has nothing to tolerate from the competition. Not without reason.

In the 1950s, when the F1 World Championship was still in its infancy, Pirelli was still one of the most successful suppliers in the sport. Rubber from Italy pulverized Firestone (United States), Dunlop (United Kingdom) and Engelbert (Belgium). From 1950 to 1954, Italians won the most Grand Prix together, although Firestone still held out in 1954. But then the successes dwindled and after 1958 the tire supplier said goodbye to the sport for a longer period .

In 1981 and 1982 Pirelli tried again and the company competed with Michelin (France) and Goodyear (United States) and Avon (United States). Pirelli had 0 victories. Also in 1983, without Avon by the way, Pirelli was left empty-handed.

After 1984, Michelin also retired. Goodyear and Pirelli were left alone, but the Italians had little reason to cheer despite less competition. After a two-year hiatus, the tire brand tried again since 1989, but that too became an adventure to quickly forget. Pirelli won just one Grand Prix in three seasons and decided to turn its back on the sport for the second time.

Rumors surfaced again in 2008 that Pirelli wanted to supply tires to F1 teams. However, with one requirement: no other provider that could participate. That is understandable in light of the low eighties and early nineties. To get a return, the brand depended on Brigdestone’s decision to continue beyond 2010. On November 2 of the same year, the redeeming word came. Brigdestone decided to leave F1. Pirelli immediately dived into the gap and the demand for a tire brand was granted.

It seems like a utopia if a second tire manufacturer will rejoin Formula 1. Pirelli doesn’t like it and the FIA ​​fears the cars will go too fast due to a tire war. The Italian tire company’s contract expires in 2023.