P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula E will switch to Bridgestone tyres for Gen4, which gets underway at the end of 2026.
Hankook motorsport director for Europe, Manfred Sandbichler, expressed the company’s surprise at losing the Gen4 tyre tender to Bridgestone, calling it a “real shock.”
Despite replacing Michelin at the beginning of the Gen3 era, Hankook will be ending its term as Formula E’s tyre supplier after the upcoming 12th campaign.
Managing the shift towards more powerful machinery in Formula E has been a unique challenge for the South Korean tyre manufacturer.
The introduction of Gen3 marked a significant step towards higher performance, necessitating a stronger tyre to handle increased power and weight on various surfaces.
Hankook faced additional demands with the introduction of the Gen3 Evo last season, which included all-wheel drive capabilities with a power output of 350kW.
While Hankook aimed to continue as the tyre supplier for the sport, losing the Gen4 tender to Bridgestone marked a tough but accepted decision, with focus now shifted towards ensuring a successful final campaign in Formula E.
