Pirelli
Exclusive Formula 1 supplier with supercar pedigree
History & Overview
Founded in Milan, Italy in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, Pirelli has evolved from a small rubber company into one of the world's most prestigious tire manufacturers. The company began producing bicycle tires in 1890 and automobile tires in 1901, quickly establishing a reputation for quality that attracted the attention of early racing pioneers.
Pirelli's motorsport heritage spans over a century, with the brand winning its first competition in 1907. This racing pedigree culminated in Pirelli becoming the exclusive tire supplier to Formula 1 in 2011, a position they continue to hold today. This partnership provides invaluable R&D data that directly influences their consumer tire development.
The brand is synonymous with high-performance and luxury vehicles. Pirelli is the original equipment supplier for prestigious marques including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Bentley. Their P Zero line has become the benchmark for ultra-high-performance tires, with specialized variants developed for specific vehicle models. Pirelli is also famous for their annual Calendar, a cultural institution since 1964.
For official specifications, visit Pirelli's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
P Zero
Max Performance SummerPirelli's flagship performance tire, developed through Formula 1 technology transfer. Features asymmetric tread design optimized for high-speed stability. OEM fitment on Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche. Available in 17"-22".
P Zero Trofeo RS
Extreme Performance SummerStreet-legal competition tire sitting between road and full slick tires. Features motorsport-derived compound with reduced tread depth for maximum grip. Used in factory supercar lap records. Available in 18"-21".
P Zero Corsa
Extreme Performance SummerTrack-oriented street tire with racing heritage. Features bi-compound tread design and F1-inspired construction. Marked-spec versions developed for specific high-performance vehicles. Available in 17"-21".
P Zero All Season Plus
Ultra High Performance All-SeasonYear-round P Zero performance with all-weather capability. Adaptive compound maintains grip across temperature ranges. 50,000-mile warranty with performance handling. Available in 17"-21".
Cinturato P7
Grand Touring All-SeasonEco-focused touring tire combining low rolling resistance with comfort. Run-Flat versions available. Common OEM fitment on BMW and Mercedes. Available in 15"-19".
Scorpion Verde
Crossover/SUV All-SeasonDesigned for luxury crossovers and SUVs with emphasis on efficiency and comfort. Eco-friendly compound reduces environmental impact. Available in 16"-22".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- Exclusive Formula 1 tire supplier since 2011 - direct technology transfer to road tires
- Original equipment on Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Bentley
- Marked fitments (★, MO, N0, etc.) developed specifically for individual vehicle models
- PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) uses foam to reduce road noise by up to 25%
- Elect tires specifically engineered for electric vehicles with reduced rolling resistance
- Color Edition sidewalls allow customization with colored markings
Motorsport Heritage
As the exclusive tire supplier to Formula 1 since 2011, Pirelli develops tires under the most demanding conditions in motorsport. Every F1 race weekend provides data that feeds directly into consumer tire development—technology transfer at its purest.
Who Should Buy Pirelli?
Ideal For
- Owners of European sports cars and supercars
- Drivers seeking OEM-equivalent marked fitments (★, MO, N0)
- Track enthusiasts wanting street-legal competition tires
- Those who value prestige and brand heritage
- Buyers of luxury vehicles with run-flat requirements
Consider Alternatives If
- Budget-conscious buyers (Pirelli commands premium pricing)
- Daily commuters prioritizing ride comfort over handling
- Truck and SUV owners (limited off-road lineup)
- Drivers in harsh winter climates (summer-focused brand)
Pirelli vs Michelin
Pirelli P Zero and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S represent the pinnacle of street performance tires. The P Zero excels in high-speed stability and steering precision—unsurprising given its F1 heritage. The PS4S typically offers better wet performance and longer tread life. Pirelli's advantage lies in vehicle-specific 'marked' fitments developed for individual models (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW), ensuring perfect OEM-like behavior. Michelin offers broader appeal and better all-around longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Pirelli's marked fitments (★, MO, N0) mean?
Marked fitments indicate tires developed specifically for a vehicle manufacturer. ★ is BMW, MO is Mercedes Original, N0/N1/N2 are Porsche-specific. These tires are tuned to match the vehicle's suspension and handling characteristics. While you can run non-marked Pirelli tires, marked versions offer optimal integration with your specific vehicle.
Are Pirelli tires as durable as Michelin?
Generally, Pirelli P Zero tires wear faster than Michelin Pilot Sport 4S—expect 10-20% less tread life. This is partly by design: Pirelli prioritizes grip over longevity. If maximum tire life matters more than outright performance, Michelin may be the better choice. For track-focused driving where grip is paramount, Pirelli's compound trade-off makes sense.
Should I buy Pirelli tires if I don't have a supercar?
Absolutely. While Pirelli is associated with exotic cars, their Cinturato and Scorpion lines serve everyday vehicles well. The P Zero All Season Plus works great on sports sedans. That said, if you're driving a Honda Civic, you may be overspending on brand prestige when alternatives like Michelin or Continental offer similar performance for less.
Find Pirelli Tires
Browse our marketplace for wheel and tire packages from trusted sellers.
Search Marketplace