Michelin Motorsport's Century of Racing Drives Sustainable Tire Technologies
Michelin uses its motorsport heritage – over 1,200 victories – as a testbed to develop sustainable tire technologies, from renewable materials to hydrogen racing.
- over 1,200
- 63%
- 50%
What Happened
Michelin Motorsport has a long history of innovation, from the removable rim in 1906 to today's focus on sustainability. The company has scored more than 1,200 major victories across disciplines, using racing as a laboratory for tire technology. Recent initiatives include founding partnerships in Formula E, MissionH24 hydrogen racing, and MotoE.
First major motor racing success with removable rims at the Grand Prix de France.
Introduced radial slicks at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Became founding partner of the FIA Formula E Championship.
Launched MissionH24 hydrogen fuel-cell prototype program.
New tire range with 50% renewable/recycled materials for WEC and IMSA categories.
63%%
Proportion of renewable/recycled raw materials, up from 53% in 2022.
Michelin emphasizes tire longevity through its 'Performance Made to Last' philosophy, estimating that millions of tires could be saved if all tires were worn to the legal limit. The company uses simulation tools like TameTire and AOTech's dynamic platform to develop virtual tires, reducing CO2 emissions.
Why this matters
Michelin shows how competition can accelerate eco-friendly innovations for everyday tires, aiming to reduce raw material use and emissions.
Terms in This Story
- Radial tire
- A tire in which the ply cords are arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, offering better grip and durability.
- Slick tire
- A tire with no tread pattern, used in dry conditions for maximum contact area.
- Renewable raw materials
- Materials derived from natural sources that can be replenished, such as natural rubber, rice husks, or citrus peel.
- Hydrogen fuel cell
- A device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing only water vapor as emissions.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.