Michelin targets 50% sustainable content for new hypercar tires

Clermont-Ferrand, France - Michelin is introducing the new Pilot Sport Endurance 2026 range, designed specifically for hypercars and produced at its Cataroux plant in Clermont-Ferrand.

The slick tire range, according to Michelin, is “a significant step forward” in the group’s commitment to sustainability, with a target to integrate 50% sustainable materials – renewable and recycled – into the tire composition.

The 2026 range marks a complete overhaul, with new materials, design standards, and production processes, said Michelin in a 5 June statement.

The tire maker has relied heavily on advanced simulation and predictive analytics, according to Philippe Tramond, technical director of Michelin Motorsport.

“We had to review our rubber compounds to reach the optimal solution. It was a gigantic job, only to achieve, at first, a level of performance equivalent to the existing one.”

The development process included finite element modelling to predict mechanical and thermal stresses on tires under extreme conditions.

Virtual testing with professional drivers in simulators helped identify ‘the best technical options early and reduces development cycles.’

The simulations helped engineers reformulate rubber compounds to accommodate new sustainable raw materials, which have different properties from traditional components.

This, Michelin explained, required “a complete review of mixing techniques” to ensure the tires met or exceeded existing performance levels.

Physical prototypes were then subjected to rigorous bench tests in Michelin’s laboratories before undergoing extensive on-track trials.

The testing programme is centred at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, which is used by the group to optimise compounds and fine-tune heating, grip, and wear characteristics of prototype tires.

The medium compound was recently tested, and the hard compound is scheduled for evaluation at Watkins Glen in the US, Michelin added.

Michelin’s aim is to finalise the design of the new range by August this year, preparing for production to begin shortly after.

These tires will then be introduced in the 2026 racing season.

Alongside physical tires, Michelin provides digital twins for teams’ simulators, ensuring seamless integration between virtual and real-world testing.