Pirelli tipped to stay in F1 beyond 2019

Pirelli looks set to stay in Formula 1 even 2019.

The FIA has put out a tender for the 2020-2023 period, with a switch to 18-inch wheels not happening until 2021.

'It's basically not a tender'

But one insider thinks Pirelli is a shoo-in.

READ: Hankook could replace Pirelli for 2020

"It's basically not a tender. It's an exercise by the FIA. A new manufacturer would have to build tyres for the current regulations for 2020 and then a completely different tyre for 2021. What company would take that on?

For me it's obvious that Pirelli can be the only Formula 1 tyre supplier," the unnamed F1 team boss is quoted by Speed Week.