Italy and China are facing off over Pirelli — here’s what’s happening at Bicocca.
Chinese giant Sinochem, which owns 34.1% of Pirelli, is now in conflict with the Italian Government. The reason? The use of “Golden Power”, a special law adopted by major economies to protect national interests in strategic companies by limiting the influence of foreign shareholders.
What exactly happened? We’ll explain it now.
Italy Wants to Keep Pirelli in the West — and the Cyber Tyre at the Center
The issue is not directly related to Formula 1, but rather to a technology that sounds almost futuristic: Cyber Tyre. These smart tyres are equipped with sensors that not only monitor pressure and temperature, but also “feel” the road, transmitting data about asphalt conditions, grip levels, and even traffic.
This technology, developed in Italy, is considered extremely valuable for the future of autonomous driving. Because of this, Italy and its Western allies fear that such strategic data could potentially end up under Chinese government influence.
China Responds: Legal Threats and Investment Concerns
The response from Sinochem has been firm. The Chinese group described the measures as “discriminatory”, accusing Italy of violating existing agreements and threatening legal action. However, the broader concern goes beyond legal disputes. Beijing has warned that this clash could slow future Chinese investments in Italy, raising economic and geopolitical implications.
In short, the battle for control of one of the most advanced technologies in the automotive industry has just begun — and both Pirelli and Italy are set to play a crucial role in what could become a significant global industrial confrontation.
Photo: Pirelli
