McLaren is shifting gears off the track as well as on it, announcing a huge name change for the 2026 Formula 1 season thanks to a massive new deal with Mastercard. From next year onwards, the legendary team based in Woking will officially race under the banner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, marking one of the most significant sponsorship moves in recent F1 history.
A Massive $100M Deal
This isn’t just any sponsorship; it’s a game-changer. Reports say the deal is worth a staggering $100 million per season, making it the biggest commercial agreement in McLaren’s long and storied history. For a team that has been racing without a title sponsor for over a decade, this partnership signals a major new chapter fueled by mutual passion and ambition.
Zak Brown On The Move
CEO Zak Brown is buzzing about what this means for the future. He’s promised a fresh wave of excitement for the papaya family, that’s the affectionate nickname for McLaren’s devoted fans.
“There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans, so I could not be more delighted to enter this next chapter in our partnership with Mastercard with a promise to our papaya family around the world: that we will continue to put our fans first, bring them even closer to the team, and offer incredible experiences,” he said
“Mastercard is a fantastic partner who shares our passion and values, so to have them on board as naming partner will offer us the perfect launch pad to keep pushing on and off track – and I cannot wait to see team priceless come to life in 2026,” he added
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This initiative aims to bring fans closer to the action through exclusive events, behind-the-scenes access, and a host of curated experiences throughout the race calendar.
In short, McLaren Mastercard isn’t just a new name on the grid. It’s a bold statement about the future of a team hungry to keep winning, on and off the track, and an invitation to fans worldwide to join the journey like never before. With $100 million backing them, the sky’s the limit for McLaren in 2026 and beyond.
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