Summary
- Bridgestone will replace Hankook as Formula E’s exclusive tyre supplier from 2026/27.
- The Potenza Gen4 will be accompanied by a dedicated tyre for heavy rain.
- The Japanese manufacturer will also sponsor four rounds of the championship.
Bridgestone and Formula E launched their tyre partnership in Rome on Wednesday, presenting the products that will accompany the championship’s move into the Gen4 era. GRANDE PRÊMIO attended the event in the Italian capital, where the Japanese manufacturer outlined its plans for the 2026/27 season.
The company will replace Hankook as the championship’s exclusive supplier. Its arrival coincides with a substantial technical change, bringing a new generation of cars and a different approach to racing in wet conditions.
Bridgestone presented the Potenza Gen4, developed for the new car, alongside the Typhoon Tyre, a separate specification designed specifically for heavy rain.
Two tyre specifications for the Gen4 era
The Potenza Gen4 is intended to provide the grip required to exploit the new car’s performance. Bridgestone also highlighted adaptability to different track conditions, durability and consistent performance throughout a race.
The Typhoon Tyre adds a dedicated option for conditions involving substantial standing water. According to the manufacturer, it has been developed to deliver stability and grip in heavy rain.
That represents a significant departure from the championship’s previous reliance on a single all-weather tyre specification. The new approach gives Formula E a product designed specifically for the most demanding wet conditions.
The change comes as the Gen4 introduces permanent active all-wheel drive and a substantial increase in performance. The tyre programme is therefore part of the wider technical transition already producing early clues about the competitive order in Gen4 testing.
Renewable and recycled materials account for 65%
Bridgestone says the Gen4 tyres will contain 65% renewable and recycled materials. Examples presented include carbon black produced using oil recovered from end-of-life tyres and silica derived from rice husks.
The company also outlined verification procedures for its natural rubber supply chain, aligned with the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber’s assurance system and validated by third parties.
For manufacturing, Bridgestone says it will allocate entirely renewable energy to the heat and electricity used for the tyre supply. It also plans to reduce logistics-related carbon emissions through transport solutions with a lower environmental impact.
Those commitments form part of the championship’s wider sustainability programme. They also give Bridgestone a platform to develop materials and production processes alongside its racing products.
Bridgestone will sponsor four rounds
The partnership extends beyond tyre supply. Bridgestone will also be the official sponsor of the Mexico City, Berlin, Shanghai and Tokyo E-Prix during the 2026/27 season.
Its appointment as the championship’s future supplier was first confirmed in December 2023, covering the seasons from 2026/27 through 2029/30. The Rome event presented the products and partnership ahead of their competitive introduction.
Hankook has supplied Formula E since the beginning of the Gen3 era in 2023. Bridgestone will take over when the 2026/27 championship begins with a double-header in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for 18–19 December.
Formula E today: frequently asked questions
When will Bridgestone start supplying Formula E tyres?
Bridgestone becomes the exclusive supplier from the 2026/27 season, replacing Hankook as the championship introduces the Gen4 car.
Will Formula E have a dedicated wet-weather tyre?
Yes. Bridgestone presented the Typhoon Tyre for heavy rain, alongside the Potenza Gen4 specification.
When does the 2026/27 Formula E season begin?
The championship is scheduled to begin with two races in Jeddah on 18–19 December 2026.
