The FIA has announced a major shift in Formula One’s technical regulations, set to take effect in 2026. Starting then, teams will have the opportunity to select their own rim equipment suppliers, ending BBS’s long-standing exclusive contract.
Since the introduction of the current ground-effect cars in 2022, BBS has been the sole supplier of Formula One’s racing wheels, having introduced the new 18-inch wheel rims at that time. BBS, which began its F1 journey in 1992 by supplying forged magnesium wheels to Ferrari, has been a prominent player in the sport. The company’s wheels supported Michael Schumacher during his dominant years at Ferrari and came from Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan.
BBS pioneered the three-piece wheel design and advanced the aluminum wheel industry. It remains one of the largest producers of automobile wheels globally, with its forged magnesium wheels in F1 being 25 percent lighter than alternatives.
With the new regulations, teams will be able to choose their rim suppliers from 2026. Although rims are not considered a “performance distinguishing feature,” which means significant performance advantages from different suppliers are unlikely, this change will offer teams greater flexibility. Teams will be able to react more swiftly to defects and required modifications, and the choice of suppliers may also lead to potential sponsorship opportunities, adding a new commercial dimension to wheel manufacturing in F1.
This development marks a significant shift in F1’s wheel supply dynamics, opening the door for increased competition and potentially new partnerships in the sport.
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