Pirelli's Relationship with F1 Since 1950

Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport. This Grand Prix, which began in 1950 and has over half a century of history, held all 19 races this season. A fierce competition unfolded over approximately nine months, starting with the opening race in Australia and concluding with the final race in Brazil.


The F1 circus arrived in Japan as the 15th round, held over three days from October 11th to 13th. The Suzuka Circuit, the venue, is known not only as Japan's first racing circuit built by the late Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., but also as one of the world's premier courses, loved by many drivers for its thrilling and challenging layout.

Current F1 machines are equipped with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine and a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), delivering a maximum output of approximately 700-750 ps. Despite this, the vehicle weight is an ultra-light 600-700 kg. In terms of horsepower per kilogram, this is more than six times the power of a typical passenger car. It is clear that the tires supporting the car's underpinnings must also meet corresponding specifications.


Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli is one of the official suppliers that has been involved since the inception of the F1 World Championship in 1950.Ferrari, as well as supporting renowned works teams such as Alfa Romeo andMaserati. The tire supply, which began in 2011, marks the company's fourth period of F1 activity. This is a return after a 20-year absence since their withdrawal after their 200th victory in 1991.

Tire Management is Key to Victory

For the race at Suzuka, Pirelli prepared two types of tires from the four available dry tire compounds: the hardest combination, 'P Zero Orange - Hard (Prime),' and 'P Zero White - Medium (Option).' These tires were chosen to withstand the high loads experienced in high-speed corners like 130R and Spoon.


Turn 15, known as 130R, is the fastest corner of the season, taken in seventh gear at 310 km/h. The car experiences lateral G-forces of 3.1G while generating maximum aerodynamic downforce. Consequently, the Suzuka race imposes the most demanding operating conditions on the tires of the season.

Therefore, if the car is not set up correctly, the high-level stress can cause blistering on the tires. Blistering occurs when the tire's shoulder, in particular, overheats locally to the point of boiling, causing the tire surface to swell or form bubbles. The tread temperature can reach up to 110 degrees Celsius, with the left front tire being the most heavily stressed. Once blistering occurs, tire performance deteriorates drastically; grip is lost, and lap times inevitably increase. It is no exaggeration to say that tire management is paramount to victory in modern F1.


Each driver is supplied with six sets of Prime tires and five sets of Option tires for each race, with only three sets of each allowed for use in qualifying and the race. During the race, both Prime and Option compounds must be used.


These tire names, such as 'Orange' and 'White,' are color codes designed to make races more exciting, allowing spectators to easily distinguish which tires a car is currently using. F1 continues to evolve daily, not only in tire technology but also in entertainment value.

Pirelli's Role

Another essential element to consider when watching F1 is the 'Paddock Club.' This is a special viewing lounge located directly above the pit garages, offering the ultimate F1 experience. At the Suzuka Circuit,Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Lotus, and other teams have their own dedicated rooms. Naturally, Pirelli, the official tire supplier, also has a lounge. The OPENERS editorial team was granted special access this time.


This venue, where VIPs from around the world gather for every F1 Grand Prix, offers an unparalleled status, not only for its view of cars speeding at 300 km/h down the main straight and the intense pit work unfolding before your eyes, but also in Japan. In addition to the indoor lounge, terrace seating is available, allowing guests to enjoy powerful F1 sound tailored to their viewing preferences while savoring food and drinks.

On the day of the final race, just before the start, Lotus drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean made a surprise appearance as guest speakers in the lounge. The sudden arrival of guests brought the fans to their feet. Although their stay was brief, lasting only about ten minutes, such special appearances are a hallmark of the Paddock Club. Furthermore, when the race began, Romain Grosjean, whom they had met just hours earlier, was leading the pack. It was an electrifying experience.

It is true that the popularity of F1 in Japan has seen a decline in recent years, with terrestrial broadcasting ending and the absence of Japanese manufacturers and drivers.


However, F1 is entering a new era in 2014. With a major overhaul of regulations, including the adoption of V6 turbo engines, and the confirmed return of Honda as an engine supplier alongside McLaren in 2015, many fans are eagerly anticipating the reunion of this legendary partnership.

Pirelli has not only supported F1, the pinnacle of motorsport, as a pure competition and a platform for technological advancement since its early days, but has also enhanced its appeal as entertainment. The role Pirelli has played throughout the long history of F1 since 1950 is immeasurable. Its progress continues unabated, and it will undoubtedly enrich our lives through both technology and culture in the future.



Pirelli Tires
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