Pirelli Equips McLaren W1 with Tyres Built from Over 50% Bio-Based and Recycled Materials
Pirelli P Zero has collaborated with McLaren to equip the new McLaren W1 supercar with three bespoke tyre fitments, the P Zero R, P Zero Trofeo RS, and P Zero Winter 2, each developed using more than 50 % bio-based and recycled materials as verified by independent certification.
This milestone is part of Pirelli’s material-innovation roadmap, which targets tyres with up to 80 % sustainable content by 2030. The materials include recycled steel, rubber recovered from end-of-life tyres, bio-resins, naturally-derived polymers, and silica derived from rice husk.
The bespoke tyres were developed in tandem with McLaren’s 1,275 PS hybrid supercar, designed to deliver 0–300 km/h in under 12.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 350 km/h. Test locations ranged from Italy’s Nardò circuit to Sweden’s Sottozero Centre to simulate extreme conditions.Pirelli Production is planned at Pirelli’s plant in Settimo Torinese, Italy.Pirelli Newsroom
For the tyre industry, this collaboration signals that ultra-high-performance tyres can be developed with a strong sustainability profile without compromise on capability. It links high-end mobility requirements to the broader circular economy agenda on materials, suggesting road-vehicle and performance tyre markets must prepare for similar transitions.
Editor’s View
This development from Pirelli and McLaren bridges the gap between performance and sustainability in the tyre sector. As consumers and OEMs increasingly demand not only high speed and grip but also lower environmental impact, tyre makers must integrate bio-based and recycled materials into premium products. The implications extend beyond hypercars: innovation at the top trickles down to production volumes, compound design, and supplier ecosystems. For the tyre industry in India, this means material sourcing, testing protocols, and branding will shift; tyre makers must be ready to adopt new feedstocks, validate performance under extreme conditions, and communicate sustainability credentials to stay competitive.
