McLaren Racing have agreed a multi-year supplier deal with lubricants brand Motul.

Contract:Motul becomes an official supplier of the McLaren Formula One teamThe company will supply McLaren with transmission lubricants from next seasonContext:

Motul has not been involved in Formula One since the 1970s, supplying teams such as Williams and BRM. Since then, it has had no visible presence at the highest level of single-seater motorsport. However, the brand has a strong presence in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as being the official lubricant partner of MotoGP.

For McLaren, the pact comes ahead of a significant regulation overhaul in Formula One. The most relevant of these changes for this deal is the all-new power unit for 2026, something that will require an evolved approach to the existing fuels and lubricants used in races. The tie-up with Motul will focus specifically on transmission lubricants – engine lubricants will continue to be supplied by Petronas via the team’s Mercedes engine deal.

Comment:

“We are delighted to welcome Motul to the McLaren Formula One Team,” said Nick Martin, co-chief commercial officer of McLaren. “Motul has a proud history of innovation and technical excellence, attributes that closely mirror our own legacy. We look forward to working together in this exciting partnership.”

Andreea Culcea, chief brand and communications officer of Motul, said: “This partnership with McLaren marks Motul’s return to Formula One, a discipline where we have written some of the most exhilarating moments of our history.

“This is a great opportunity to combine both of our expertise in the pursuit of performance and innovation. We are particularly proud that our fluids contribute to the outstanding performance of one of the most prestigious racing teams in the world.”

Coming next:

This deal won’t be in place until the start of the 2026 season, otherwise McLaren would have reached a hefty 56 commercial partners this year. Next up for the team is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which takes place from 19th to 21st September.

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