Lubricants for motorsport
Motorsport, one of the most technical and dynamic segments of the sporting world, is experiencing significant growth. According to a report produced by Business Research Insight, the global motorsport market, valued at US$7.9 billion in 2024, is expected to reach US$18.76 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.07% between 2025 and 2033.
In an environment of strong expansion and high technological demands, the quest for maximum performance imposes strict attention not only on engines and vehicle structures, but also on components that are less obvious to the public, such as lubricants. Their function goes beyond simply reducing friction, contributing to the preservation of power, protection against wear and thermal efficiency, elements that directly impact performance on the track.
The development of lubricants for motorsport prioritizes formulations designed to withstand extreme conditions of temperature, pressure and speed. This need has driven the industry to invest in high-purity synthetic bases, specific additive packages and technologies that offer superior thermal stability, shear resistance and protection against deposit formation. Each element of the formulation is adjusted to meet the technical requirements of engines and transmission systems operating under severe conditions.
In recent years, the evolution of base oils and additives has led to improved stability at high temperatures, longer service life for mechanical systems and compatibility with new materials used in modern engines. This evolution has not only raised the performance level of racing vehicles, but has also ensured greater reliability in prolonged, highly demanding conditions, such as endurance races and tests carried out at high temperatures, as well as bringing greater quality and performance to models used on the street.
Customization and technical efficiency in motorsport
The customization of lubricants in motorsport has become common practice, taking into account the specificities of each project and the operating conditions of each competition. The definition of the ideal viscosity, the choice of additives and the adaptation of the formulation according to the type of fuel, the internal clearances of the engines and the expected operating regime are all factors that are analyzed with technical precision. This customization aims to maximize energy efficiency, minimize component wear and maintain performance throughout the race.
The impact of the lubricant on the sporting result is objective and measurable. Reducing internal friction improves power delivery, while thermal control and wear resistance preserve the integrity of engines and transmission systems.
In extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and long race durations, the efficiency of the formulation used is decisive in ensuring consistent performance. On the other hand, the use of unsuitable lubricants can accelerate wear processes, compromise thermal efficiency and lead to mechanical failures that make it impossible to continue competing, just as happens in traditional vehicles.
The evolution of lubricants for motorsport also incorporates environmental concerns. The development of products that use raw materials with a lower environmental impact and that contribute to reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions is a well-established trend.
Synthetic lubricants, in particular, stand out in this scenario, combining high stability in severe conditions with significant environmental benefits, such as less waste and greater energy efficiency.
Continuous innovation and new challenges
Despite technological advances, misconceptions still persist regarding the use of lubricants, including in competitive environments. Ideas such as that “all oils are the same” or that “more viscous oils are better for worn engines” have no technical support. In motorsports, the precise choice of lubricant, based on strict performance and compatibility specifications, is a critical factor in preserving the efficiency and reliability of equipment.
The future of lubricant development poses new challenges. The evolution of engines, increasingly compact, lightweight and operating under high efficiency regimes, demands lubricants with even more sophisticated technical characteristics. Adapting to changes in fuels, such as the increase in biofuel content, requires products with specific formulations capable of guaranteeing protection and performance. In addition, the alignment between engines, fuels and lubricants will become increasingly important in a scenario of growing pressure for sustainability and energy efficiency.
Recognizing the importance of lubricants in motorsports is understanding an essential dimension of racing engineering. Although discreet and barely visible to the outside world, these components have a decisive influence on the performance, reliability and durability of mechanical systems, consolidating themselves as strategic technical elements in an environment where excellence is built on the precision of each choice.
By: Rinaldi Campos, Aftermarket Business Development Coordinator at FUCHS LUBRIFICANTES.
