McLaren Partners with Motul as Technical Partner

McLaren Racing has announced French lubricants manufacturer Motul as an official technical partner from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards, in a deal that will see the brand supply high-performance transmission lubricants to the team.

The agreement marks Motul’s return to Formula 1, where the company has a long history of involvement dating back to its support of engine and transmission programmes across various teams and manufacturers.

The deal strengthens its portfolio of technical partnerships ahead of the 2026 regulatory reset, when new power unit and sustainability-focused rules will reshape performance strategies. Motul’s contribution will be specific to transmission systems, an increasingly critical performance area as teams prepare for greater electrification and efficiency demands under the new regulations.

 Sharing how the alignment between the two companies’ engineering cultures was a key driver of the deal, co-chief commercial officer at McLaren Racing, Nick Martin, said: “Motul has a proud history of innovation and technical excellence, attributes that closely mirror our own legacy.”

Positioning the partnership as both a brand platform and an R&D opportunity, Motul’s chief brand and communications officer, Andreea Culcea, added: “This is a great opportunity to combine both of our expertise in the pursuit of performance and innovation.”

Noting that McLaren offered one of the most prestigious platforms in global motorsport.

From a commercial perspective, the partnership reflects the increasing importance of B2B technical collaborations in Formula 1 sponsorship portfolios. As F1’s global broadcast audience and sustainability commitments expand, brands like Motul are seeking partnerships that combine visibility with applied innovation.

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