Bridgestone: Japan’s Formula 1 Tyre Story
Bridgestone: Japan’s Formula 1 Tyre Story
For fourteen seasons the rubber under most of the F1 grid was Japanese. The story of Bridgestone — from a 1996 entry to six Ferrari titles and a surprise 2010 exit.
For fourteen seasons, the tyres under most of Formula 1 were Japanese. Bridgestone — founded in Kurume, Japan, in 1931 — supplied F1 from 1997 to 2010, won its first title in 1998 with Mika Häkkinen, powered Ferrari and Michael Schumacher to six consecutive constructors’ titles, and was the sole tyre supplier in 1999–2000 and again 2007–2010 before handing over to Pirelli.1 It is one of the biggest, least-told Japanese stories in F1.
In this guide
1. From Kurume to the grid
2. The Ferrari–Schumacher dynasty
3. The tyre war and the exit
4. Why it matters
1. From Kurume to the grid
A Japanese giant enters the sport.
Bridgestone, founded in 1931 and now one of the world’s largest tyre makers, announced its full Formula 1 entry in 1996 with the Arrows team.1 After strong early form, leading teams McLaren and Benetton switched to Bridgestone for 1998 — and the company won the drivers’ championship that very year with Mika Häkkinen.1 When Goodyear withdrew at the end of 1998, Bridgestone became F1’s sole supplier for 1999 and 2000.
2. The Ferrari–Schumacher dynasty
The tyres under the sport’s most dominant era.
Bridgestone’s partnership with Ferrari defined the early 2000s, underpinning the Scuderia’s six consecutive constructors’ titles through the Michael Schumacher era.1 Across its time in the sport the company’s tyres won 175 Grands Prix (116 of them as the sole supplier).1 Few suppliers have ever been so closely tied to a champion team. It sits alongside Honda and Toyota as a pillar of Japan’s F1 industry.
3. The tyre war and the exit
Michelin’s return, then a surprise goodbye.
In 2001 Michelin returned and reignited a fierce tyre war that ran through 2006, pushing rapid development on both sides.1 From 2007 Bridgestone was again the single supplier — but in late 2009 it announced that 2010 would be its final season, and Pirelli took over from 2011.2 Bridgestone left as one of the most successful tyre makers in F1 history.
4. Why it matters
Japan’s mark on F1 isn’t only engines.
When fans think of Japan in Formula 1 they think of Honda power units and the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. But for fourteen years the rubber itself was Japanese too — a reminder of how deep the country’s motorsport industry runs. ⚠ Bridgestone is not the current F1 supplier; this is its 1997–2010 history.
Frequently asked questions
When did Bridgestone supply Formula 1?
From 1997 to 2010 (plus two races in the late 1970s).
How successful was Bridgestone in F1?
Its tyres won 175 Grands Prix and powered Ferrari to six consecutive constructors’ titles.
Why did Bridgestone leave F1?
It announced its exit after 2010 and Pirelli took over from 2011. ⚠ Bridgestone is not the current F1 supplier.
Sources & notes
- Bridgestone in F1 1997–2010: entered with Arrows (announced 1996); first title 1998 (Häkkinen); sole supplier 1999–2000 and 2007–2010; Ferrari six consecutive titles; 175 race wins (116 as sole supplier). GrandPrix.com; RaceFans.
- Bridgestone announced exit after 2010; Pirelli took over from 2011. RaceFans.
A heritage feature dated 17 June 2026. It covers Bridgestone’s 1997–2010 F1 tenure; ⚠ Bridgestone is not the current F1 tyre supplier. No copyrighted material is reproduced.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月17日 | 初回公開 |
| 2026年6月19日 | 情報を更新 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月19日
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