MOTUL and McLaren Racing: A New Era Begins
MOTUL has officially announced its partnership with McLaren Racing, taking on the role of official supplier for the McLaren F1 Team starting from the 2026 season. This collaboration marks an exciting chapter as the renowned French brand specializes in blending, producing, and selling high-performance lubricants. With this new three-year agreement, MOTUL will supply the McLaren F1 Team with top-level transmission fluids, further enhancing the technological prowess behind the team’s racing capabilities.
This partnership is significant not only because of MOTUL's rich history in motorsports but also due to its deep-rooted commitment to innovation. Having first entered Formula 1 over 50 years ago with the Matra team in 1971, MOTUL has established itself as a trusted name in high-performance racing. The brand’s partnership with McLaren resonates with the team’s insistence on excellence and innovation in their journey toward racing supremacy.
“The inclusion of MOTUL in our team is a thrilling development,” said Nick Martin, McLaren Racing’s Joint Chief Commercial Officer. “MOTUL embodies a proud history of technical excellence and innovation, mirroring our own traditions. We eagerly look forward to collaborating in this thrilling partnership.”
MOTUL’s Chief Brand & Communication Officer, Andreea Culcea added, “This partnership symbolizes our return to F1. We have written some of the most exhilarating chapters in history within this sphere. This opportunity not only combines both our expertise in performance and innovation but also allows us to contribute to the outstanding performance of one of the most esteemed racing teams globally.”
Building on Trust and Performance
MOTUL and McLaren Racing have a longstanding relationship that has fostered mutual trust through high-level support in various racing disciplines, including the renowned Le Mans 24 Hours. Their alliance was further solidified by MOTUL's effective support for United Autosports in GT3, showcasing a commitment to meet the exacting standards set by the team.
The agreement between MOTUL and McLaren Racing was the result of nine months of rigorous testing, including comparisons with competitors. Crucially, this collaboration denotes a technical partnership rather than a sponsorship, meaning MOTUL’s branding will not appear on the F1 cars. Instead, they will provide essential fluids for the transmission and differential systems while McLaren continues to utilize engine oils from other suppliers.
McLaren’s expectations are set high, particularly in the quest for extreme friction reduction and protective capabilities in their current technology. MOTUL is poised to rise to the occasion, continually challenging itself with the intense demands of F1 racing, ensuring that innovations benefit not just the race team but reach consumers through their latest product lines, including the next-generation 300V.
A Glimpse into the Future
This collaboration is just the beginning for what both brands envision. As they pave the road for future advancements, fans and followers of motorsports can look forward to the innovations and commitments that MOTUL and McLaren Racing will bring to the forefront of the racing scene.
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded in 1963 by racing driver Bruce McLaren and has since then made its mark in motorsport history. The team made its debut in F1 in 1966, claiming 21 F1 World Championships and more than 200 F1 Grand Prix victories, alongside triumphs in the iconic Indianapolis 500. The team now competes across four racing series, including F1, where they are represented by talented drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren is dedicated to achieving sustainability in sports, signing the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Commitment, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in motorsport.
About MOTUL
Established in 1853, MOTUL is a global lubricant brand present in 160 countries, specializing in the formulation, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality lubricants across various sectors. Notably known for launching the world’s first 100% synthetic automotive oil, the flagship 300V has been pivotal in supporting the performance of major championships such as Le Mans 24 Hours, WEC, MotoGP, Dakar, and many others. MOTUL continues to expand its expertise, addressing modern performance demands and sustainability challenges.
For more information, visit
www.motul.com.