Ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Pirelli confirmed they would be remaining as Formula 1's official tyre supplier until 2023.

The Italian company had faced competition from Hankook for the new tender but with big changes expected in 2021, it was also expected Pirelli would get the nod.

"We are delighted to have reached this agreement, which guarantees a long-term stable future for such a crucial component of F1," said CEO Chase Carey.

Pirelli has come in for criticism during their time in the sport, which began in 2011, particularly over the durability of their compounds with drivers having to race conservatively on the fragile rubber.

Efforts continue to try and strike the balance between offering strategic variables through degradation while also allowing drivers to push harder and this week the teams will test their 2019 compounds in Abu Dhabi.

Much of the attention will be on 2021 when F1 will overhaul the tyre regulations with 18-inch rims, which Pirelli first touted in 2014, and possibly do away with blankets to pre-heat before going out on track.

"It’s excellent news that Pirelli is prolonging its partnership with Formula 1 until 2023," Vice President and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera stated.

"This new agreement extends our presence to a total of 13 seasons in the modern era, with Pirelli also present in 1950, when the world championship was inaugurated.

"F1 is and will remain the pinnacle of motorised competition: the perfect environment for Pirelli, which has always defined motorsport as its most advanced technological research and development laboratory.

"F1 provides the perfect showcase for our Ultra High-Performance road car tyres, which equip the world’s most desirable prestige and premium vehicles to guarantee the highest standards of performance, sustainability and safety."