McLaren Racing and Motul have expanded their technical relationship through a new multi-year partnership covering McLaren’s Formula 1 campaign and its return to top-level endurance racing. The agreement builds on their GT3 collaboration and extends Motul’s involvement into Formula 1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Since the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Motul has supplied a bespoke lubricant for the gearbox and differential of McLaren’s MCL40. The company will also develop engine and transmission lubricants for McLaren’s Hypercar, which will make its WEC debut in 2027. Motul said its engineers worked with McLaren Racing for nine months to develop the unique transmission lubricant. More than 40 tests, covering tribological analysis, material compatibility and validation, were conducted at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking before the formulation was approved.
Motul develops bespoke F1 gear oil for McLaren Racing’s exclusive use.
SOURCE | MOTUL
The lubricant was designed to reduce friction, operate across extreme temperatures, withstand high transmission pressures and maintain performance over thousands of kilometres while protecting mechanical components.
Julien Plet, Head of Research and Development at Motul, said the challenge was to improve on an already high-performance transmission fluid by reducing friction losses while maintaining durability. He added that the formulation had been validated under Formula 1 conditions and will continue to evolve with McLaren’s cars.
For the 2027 WEC programme, Motul will provide engine and transmission lubricants for McLaren’s Hypercar. Its Racing Lab will also analyse fluid samples during race weekends, monitoring wear, oxidation, thermal stability and fuel dilution. .