A massive strategic misjudgment on Michelin's part is rumored to have cost the French manufacturer a chance to displace incumbent Pirelli as the official tyre supplier to Formula 1.

Both companies were in the running to secure the F1 contract from 2017, and many amongst teams and drivers favored a return of Michelin to the helm of motorsport.

But when the FIA gave it the green light to negotiate with FOM a renewal of the rubber supply contract, Michelin apparently made a major strategic error.

Following extensive talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Michelin's representatives had come away feeling particularly confident. However, one key point of discussion had been ineptly avoided by the firm from Clermont-Ferrand.

According to F1 Racing, "Michelin presented their proposal to Ecclestone and said they would discuss commercial terms if and when they were appointed.

Although they were prepared to pay serious money, this is not how Ecclestone does business, which put an immediate end to their bid."

Consequently, the contract will remain with Pirelli following an agreement reached recently between Ecclestone and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera.

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