McLaren Partners with Motul for Transmission Lubricants Ahead of 2026 F1 Rules

McLaren Secures Motul Partnership for 2026 F1 Rules

McLaren has announced a crucial partnership with Motul, confirming the high-performance lubricant specialist as an official supplier of transmission lubricants to the team starting from next F1 season. This collaboration is set to play a significant role as Formula 1 prepares for a new regulatory era in 2026.

Why it matters: The upcoming 2026 regulations will introduce substantial changes to F1 cars, particularly impacting power units and chassis design. Securing a specialist lubricant partner like Motul early is vital for McLaren to develop optimized powertrain components and maintain a competitive advantage as the sport evolves.

The details:

• Motul, renowned for its expertise in formulating, producing, and distributing high-performance lubricants, will specifically provide transmission fluids to the Woking-based squad.
• Nick Martin, McLaren's co-chief commercial officer, highlighted Motul's "proud history of innovation and technical excellence," attributes that closely mirror McLaren's own legacy.
• Andreea Culcea, Motul's chief brand and communications officer, emphasized that this partnership marks Motul’s return to Formula 1, viewing it as a prime opportunity to combine expertise in pursuit of performance and innovation.

The big picture: Motul boasts a storied history in motorsport, having supplied teams and championships across various disciplines including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, WEC, MotoGP, and the Dakar Rally, in addition to previous stints in F1. Their return to the pinnacle of motorsport underscores the technical challenges and prestige associated with the sport's future.

What's next: This strategic partnership will enable McLaren to work closely with Motul on developing bespoke lubricant solutions, ensuring their transmission systems are finely tuned for the demands of the 2026 regulations and beyond.