Formula 1 team Aston Martin has signed a deal with lubricants supplier Valvoline, announcing a special livery for the weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Valvoline Global, a subsidiary of Aramco, will become the Silverstone team’s long-term official lubricants partner. The two parties will work closely together to develop Valvoline products designed to increase the performance and success of the Formula 1 team.
“This will also benefit the global reach of the Valvoline brand and the development of future products to move the automotive world towards a more sustainable future,” read an official press release on Wednesday.
At Silverstone, Valvoline’s red and blue V logo will be featured on the engine cover, sidepod and front wing of the AMR23, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Even if the team returns to the standard livery, the logo will continue to be prominently placed.
Earlier this year, Aston Martin’s title partner and prominent Formula One sponsor, Aramco, completed its acquisition of Valvoline for $2.65 billion.
The exact term of the new contract is not known. According to Aston team boss Mike Krack, the long-term partnership with its lubricant supplier will also benefit the team when it comes to switching to Honda engines from 2026.
Valvoline has a long heritage in motorsport, dating back to the sport’s inception in the late 19th century. Valvoline’s distinctive color scheme is an integral part of the racing scene in the United States, with long ties to NASCAR, IndyCar and drag racing.
Currently, Valvoline is a partner of the NASCAR Cup team Hendrick Motorsports, which drives Kyle Larson, Chase Elliot, William Byron and Alex Bowman.
Valvoline has also had a sporadic presence in Formula One. This includes a brief engagement with Lotus in the late 1970s. Most recently, Valvoline was active in the premier class as a lubricant supplier for the short-lived Marussia team.