11. Pirelli (Estimated Value: $8.3 billion)
Besides engines, tires are the main parts of car racing. Choosing the right set of tire has also been the main part of racing strategy. With such an important role, tire supply has been a huge opportunity for tire manufacturers. And they have been eying on it for decades.
Among them are Michelin and Bridgestone. And thanks to the 2005 F1 Indianapolis fiasco, all I can think about when it comes to Michelin tire is the strangest race I have ever watched. That day, all cars with Michelin tires, which were more than half of them, retired from the race even before it was started.
Let’s forget about that fiasco now, since Michelin is no longer the tire supplier for F1. Neither is Bridgestone. In fact, since 2011, this part has been taken over solely by Pirelli.
More than thirty five thousand employees work at the Italian company. And it is estimated to have $8.3 billion of market cap. They are currently developing new tires for the 2017 Formula 1 season. Those tires are going to be bigger and bolder. Please, March! Come anytime soon!
