BBS to lose its exclusive contract with F1 as teams set to choose their rim supplier form 2026

Formula One's governing body, the FIA has announced that teams will be able to choose their rim equipment suppliers from 2026 when the all-new technical regulations come into force.

Since the introduction of the current ground-effect cars in 2022, Formula One cars' racing wheels have been exclusively supplied by BBS. That year saw the wheel manufacturer introduce the new 18-inch wheel rims.

BBS first entered F1 in 1992, when it began supplying forged magnesium wheels to Ferrari. During the era in which Michael Schumacher dominated the sport at Ferrari, he had the support of BBS wheels.

All of the BBS forged wheels that are used by F1 teams are produced in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. The company is often credited as pioneering the three-piece wheel and advancing the aluminum wheel industry over many decades, and remains one of the largest producers of automobile wheels in the world.

F1 uses forged magnesium wheel which is 25 percent lighter than any other wheel.

The FIA has now revealed that teams will be able to choose their own rim equipment supplier from 2026. Rims are not considered a "performance distinguishing feature," so significant advantages from development are unlikely. However, the the individual supplier will help teams react faster to defects and desired changes.

Moreover, the freedom regarding the wheel supplier means that teams can also secure rim manufacturers for sponsorship contracts, making it commercially more interesting.