Michelin to Launch 50% Sustainable Tyres for 2026 WEC and IMSA Races

Michelin has announced that its tyres for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship will use 50% sustainable materials starting with the 2026 season. This is a significant jump from the current 30% sustainable content that was first introduced in 2023.

The change means that half of the material in these racing tyres will be either recycled or renewable, moving Michelin closer to its goal of making 100% sustainable road tyres by 2050.

The new range, named Pilot Sport Endurance, will be produced in much larger quantities than previous eco-friendly race tyres. Michelin plans to manufacture about 30,000 tyres each year for top-class WEC and IMSA events.

Previously, the company made tyres with similar sustainable content only in small batches for special series like the MotoE World Cup and hydrogen demonstration cars. Now, these new tyres will be used by all teams in the WEC’s Hypercar and IMSA’s GTP classes, where Michelin is the sole supplier.

Michelin’s development team tested eleven different new materials, including both renewable and recycled options, to find the best formula for performance and durability. Seven of those materials made it into the final tyre specification.

Engineers also trialed 14 new technical processes, keeping five for the approved design. The tyres have gone through extensive testing, with the last major test being held at Watkins Glen at the end of June 2025.

After the test, final specifications will be set so production can start in September. Teams should receive their first sets in November 2025, ahead of the next racing season.

Performance has been a key focus during development. Michelin wants these sustainable tyres to match current one-lap speeds while improving warm-up and durability, especially after tyre warmers were banned in 2023.

There will be three slick specifications: soft, medium, and hard. For most races, teams can pick from two types, but for the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, all three will be available.

The company is also considering reducing the number of tyres each car can use per race, which now stands at 18 for a six-hour event. However, any change would only happen in 2027, once teams and officials see how the new tyres perform in competition.

A unique touch on the slick tyres is a “micro velvet effect” on the tread surface. Although it looks similar to a tread pattern, it is actually designed to visually highlight the use of advanced recycled materials inside the tyre.

According to Michelin’s sportscar operations manager Pierre Alves, this is meant to make the latest innovations easily recognizable for teams and fans.

Michelin is also working on a new wet-weather racing tyre with sustainability in mind. The launch date for this tyre will be set after current inventory is used up.

For now, the focus remains on the slick tyre’s upcoming debut. The contract to supply tyres for the WEC Hypercar class runs through the end of 2029.

This covers the final years of the current Le Mans Hypercar and LMDh regulations, which could be extended based on recent developments in the series.

The move to higher sustainable content is part of Michelin’s broader commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in motorsport. As the company continues to test new materials and methods, racing remains an important platform for advancing technology that may one day benefit everyday drivers.