McLaren Racing has confirmed that Enkei will return as an official wheel supplier for its Formula 1 programme beginning with the 2026 season. The renewed partnership follows regulatory changes that will once again allow teams to choose their own wheel suppliers. Since 2022, Formula 1 teams have used standardised wheels supplied by BBS as part
McLaren Racing has confirmed that Enkei will return as an official wheel supplier for its Formula 1 programme beginning with the 2026 season.
The renewed partnership follows regulatory changes that will once again allow teams to choose their own wheel suppliers. Since 2022, Formula 1 teams have used standardised wheels supplied by BBS as part of a cost-control measure introduced alongside the shift to 18-inch tyres. From 2026 onwards, teams will regain the freedom to source rims independently.
Before the introduction of standardised wheels, Formula 1 teams typically worked with specialist wheel manufacturers such as Enkei and OZ Racing. The FIA concluded that wheel development is unlikely to create large performance gaps between teams, making it suitable to reopen supplier choice without significantly affecting competitive balance.
Allowing teams to select their own suppliers also enables quicker responses to design revisions or manufacturing issues, while creating additional commercial opportunities through technical partnerships and sponsorship agreements. Despite the regulatory changes, wheel diameter will remain at 18 inches, with Pirelli continuing as the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1 until at least 2027.
The collaboration between McLaren and Enkei is not new. The Japanese wheel manufacturer previously supplied the team from 1995 to 2021, covering multiple generations of McLaren Formula 1 machinery. During that period, Enkei developed lightweight forged magnesium racing wheels for the team, contributing to several championship-era cars. The introduction of standardised wheels in 2022 effectively paused the technical partnership.
With the regulation change for 2026, both companies will resume collaboration on the design, development and manufacture of new racing wheels for McLaren’s next-generation Formula 1 car.
For the 2026 season, Enkei will develop advanced forged magnesium wheels designed for the extreme loads and thermal conditions experienced in Formula 1. Forged magnesium construction is valued in motorsport for its combination of low weight, high stiffness and durability, which can improve both performance and reliability over the course of a race weekend.
Neil Houldey, Executive Director and Technical Director of Applied Engineering at McLaren Racing, said the partnership would play a role in the development of the team’s next-generation car. “We are delighted to welcome Enkei to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. Their history of technical excellence in motorsport and focus on high performance will play an important role in taking the MCL40 to track this season,” he said.
Makato Miura, President of Enkei Corporation, added that the collaboration continues a long-standing technical relationship between the two organisations. “The 26-year journey we shared with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team from 1995 to 2021 remains an invaluable chapter in Enkei’s history. We are honoured to return as an official supplier,” he said.
The return of independent wheel suppliers is one of several changes accompanying Formula 1’s major 2026 regulation overhaul. The next-generation cars will be shorter, lighter and narrower, with revised aerodynamic rules and new hybrid power unit regulations aimed at improving efficiency and attracting additional manufacturers to the sport.
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