Michelin rules out swift return to F1 ahead of tyre tender deadline

Michelin has decided against an immediate return to Formula 1 after ruling out applying for the new tyre tender process

The French tyre company had evaluated a potential return after the FIA opened up the tyre tender in July, in order to decide who would become F1's official supplier from 2020-23.

Michelin expressed two key reservations about what was on offer, disliking the prospect of supplying 13-inch tyres for only 2020 - ahead of a planned change to 18-inch tyres for '21 - and the concept of high-degradation tyres.

But following weeks of analysis, and the FIA's deadline of Friday for application, Michelin confirmed it was not interested in what was on offer.

A statement from Michelin said that the two concerns it had with the tender were too much for it to overcome, even though it welcomed the long-term move to switch to 18-inch tyres.

"We have received the technical specifications on which the FIA call for tenders has been issued and we have studied it carefully," said the company.

"Michelin's recommendations for a switch to 18-inch tyres, as in Formula E, have been taken up by the authorities, which we are delighted about.

"However, the demand for the supply of 13-inch tyres for the 2020 season alone, as well as the deterioration of performance as a part of the show, goes against our principles of efficient resource management and respect for the technology of a sustainable tyre.

"Michelin has therefore decided to refrain from any response to this invitation to tender and will continue to follow, in conjunction with its governing bodies, the developments of Formula 1 in the coming years."

Michelin last supplied tyres to F1 in the 2006 season, pictured below.