The legendary Valvoline brand is back on the Formula 1 grid as part of a new strategic partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team that begun at the 2023 Aramco British Grand Prix.
Valvoline has an incredibly deep motorsport history going back to the first American race in 1895. Creator of America’s first branded motor oil, the brand has provided lubricants for the first race-winning cars around the globe and it was the first company to create a bespoke oil designed for motorsport use called VR1™.
Its products have been used by winners across all branches of motorsport, from F1 to America’s top categories NASCAR and IndyCar, to drag racing and rallying, and its branding has formed some of the most iconic liveries in motorsports.
Now it’s contributing to another piece of motorsport history: the new project to take Aston Martin to the top of F1 for the first time.
In only the third year since the modern Aston Martin F1 programme began, the team has become a true frontrunner in 2023, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll often the greatest threat to the championship-leading Red Bull team.
Given its game-changing new factory at Silverstone is still under construction, Aston Martin’s 2023 results have put it firmly ahead of its targets. As well as upgrading its facilities, it’s also secured a Honda power unit partnership for when F1’s next-generation rules begin in 2026, meaning it has all the pieces in place to become a major F1 player for many years to come.
Valvoline will be a big part of that exciting future as the Official Lubricant Partner of Aston Martin F1.
“Valvoline will provide race-proven lubricants for our AMR23 to help drive performance,” said Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack.
“This long-term partnership with Valvoline will also benefit our new works power unit partnership with Honda from 2026 with bespoke lubricants.”
The start of the relationship is being celebrated by a special one-off Valvoline livery on Alonso and Stroll’s cars at the British GP.
“The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team and Valvoline Global are both driven by more – driven by the desire not just to win but to go even further,” said Jamal Muashsher, CEO, Valvoline Global.
“This is the start of a powerful, dynamic partnership. We are excited to be part of the team’s journey, and we look forward to our shared successes and innovation.”
Keyword: Valvoline™ Global Operations becomes part of Aston Martin’s F1 future