PIRELLI INTRODUCES NEW TYRES FOR THE F1® SAFETY CAR: P ZERO R DEVELOPED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+

Developed in a virtual environment, the P Zero R features a dual-compound tread design and model-specific pattern details to deliver high performance and control, even on wet surfaces. Its performance has been validated through testing at Nürburgring and Nardò.

Pirelli has unveiled the P Zero R tyre, developed exclusively for Formula 1®’s new Official Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+. The first F1® Safety Car equipped with a fully variable all-wheel-drive system, the model takes to the track with this ultra-high-performance tyre, which combines qualifying-level performance on dry surfaces with exceptionally precise steering response. Designed to deliver consistent performance during Safety Car duties, where precision, reliability and control are paramount, the P Zero R also ensures safe driving in wet conditions.

The new P Zero R’s high performance on both dry and wet surfaces is based on its dual-compound tread design. Leveraging virtual development processes, Pirelli created model-specific tread pattern details to maximise performance. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG engineers in Affalterbach, the tyre was finalised with the help of Pirelli’s virtual simulation models, which played a decisive role in the development process. Both compounds, the block-to-groove ratio and groove widths were designed to work in harmony with the vehicle’s suspension geometry and camber settings. This optimises the tyre’s contact patch under different driving conditions, improving grip and steering precision while enhancing high-speed stability without compromising wet-weather performance.

The project forms part of Pirelli’s activities as Formula 1®’s exclusive tyre supplier since 2011. Pirelli’s role was recently confirmed by the FIA and Formula 1®, extending its contract through 2028. The brand’s relationship with Formula 1® dates back to the inaugural race in 1950. Since then, Pirelli has contributed to the technical evolution of the FIA Formula One World Championship™, reaching its 500th Grand Prix in 2025. Experience gained on the track, including under the most demanding conditions, serves as an innovation laboratory for Pirelli, with insights from racing also contributing to the development of road tyres.

Model-Specific Development

The 21-inch P Zero R, designed for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, was developed to transfer the full power of the vehicle’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine to the road. Producing 450 kW (612 hp) and 850 Nm of maximum torque, the model combines high performance with sustainability. The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system also plays a key role in defining the vehicle’s character. The system requires tyres capable of handling rapid load transfers and enabling the vehicle to fully exploit its dynamic potential. With its high grip, precise response and consistent performance, the P Zero R meets these requirements, making it an ideal choice for track use as well.

Testing Process

The first P Zero R developed specifically for Mercedes-AMG underwent extensive testing at Nürburgring and Nardò. The tests involved AMG brand ambassador and Official F1® Safety Car Driver Bernd Mayländer, along with other experienced Safety Car drivers. The drivers praised the tyre’s consistent performance and high grip across a wide range of conditions.

The project once again highlights the long-standing collaboration between Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG. By combining the expertise of both brands from the earliest stages of vehicle development, their joint development approach has resulted in tyres being supplied for more than 150 vehicles to date. In line with the “Perfect Fit” philosophy, the tyre developed for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ carries the “MO1” marking on its sidewall, indicating that it has been specifically engineered for this model.

The previous Official F1® Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which served in this role from 2022 to 2026, was also equipped with Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The latest milestone in the collaboration between the two brands is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+, equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres. The four-door sports sedan secured the title of the fastest vehicle in its segment at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, recording a lap time of 7:32.070.

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