Pirelli develops custom P Zero R tire for new F1 Safety Car

Pirelli has developed the P Zero R, a high-performance tire specifically designed for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car. The vehicle features a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 612 CV and 850 Nm of torque, along with a fully variable all-wheel-drive system.

Developed through co-design with Mercedes-AMG engineers in Affalterbach, the 21-inch tire utilizes a dual-compound tread and virtual simulation modeling to optimize performance. The design aims to provide qualifying-level grip on dry asphalt and precise steering response while maintaining safety and stability in wet conditions. The tire's tread pattern and channel widths were specifically calibrated to work with the vehicle's suspension geometry and camber.

Real-world testing was conducted at the Nürburgring and Nardò circuits, involving Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer. This development continues Pirelli's role as the sole tire supplier for Formula 1, a position recently extended by the FIA and Formula 1 through 2028.