While F1 awaits official confirmation, Pirelli remains the favourite to beat Bridgestone to the contract, with many paddock insiders suggesting that the deal is now a formality and assuming that, as time drags on, a change becomes less likely.
The twist is that sources suggest a strategic withdrawal from F1 by the Italian company when the next term ends is a possible scenario, one that would leave the championship looking for a new tyre partner for 2029 and beyond.
The FIA launched a tender process earlier this year, and Pirelli and its only challenger Bridgestone were quickly approved by the governing body after their technical proposals were studied.
The next step was the commercial discussion with Stefano Domenicali and the F1 organisation. That has now dragged on for months as the two companies have in effect been played off against each other in a bidding war.
Indeed, in the early stages, the word was that Bridgestone's financial proposal was too good for F1 to walk away from.
Domenicali can't be faulted for trying to squeeze as much out of the sole tyre supplier as he can, as it's his job to maximise revenue for the teams and for his bosses at Liberty Media.
It's not just about the headline fee, but details like how many races will receive title sponsorship, how much signage is placed around the tracks, and even how many guest passes are issued to the tyre supplier.
The discussions have been made more complex by the fact that F2 and F3 are also part of the deal, and by the addition of an important sustainability element, which wasn't part of previous tenders.
The debate has been further complicated by the strong suggestion that should Pirelli win this tender, it will be its last.
Source: Autosport