Global payments giant Mastercard will become the official McLaren F1 title sponsor starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking the team’s first naming partner in over a decade.
This development represents a strategic expansion of the existing partnership between the Woking based outfit and the American banking company, which was initially forged as a multi-year sponsorship agreement in July 2024.
The announcement of Mastercard as the official naming partner rebrands the team as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team from next season onward, signaling a new era for this iconic British racing outfit.
The new title sponsorship deal is reported to be one of the largest in the history of Formula 1 with estimates suggesting the contract is worth around $100 million annually and is expected to extend into the mid-2030s.
This injection of substantial commercial funding comes at a pivotal time for McLaren which has been enjoying a resurgence in competitive performance, culminating in their first constructors’ championship win in 26 years in 2024.
The deal marks McLaren’s return to carrying a title sponsor after a decade-long absence since their partnership with Vodafone ended in 2013, a period characterized by mixed results and challenges on the racetrack.
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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has emphasized the significance of this partnership in his vision for the team’s growth, citing Mastercard as a “fantastic partner” who shares McLaren’s passion and values.
“There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans,” Brown said. “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.
“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 F1.”
Mastercard’s Chief Marketing Officer Raja Rajamannar echoed Brown’s sentiments: “Our partnership has been grounded in putting fans in pole position since day one, and becoming the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team takes that commitment to the next level.
“McLaren Racing represents the pinnacle of innovation, precision, and performance, values that mirror our own as we push boundaries and deliver winning experiences.
“Collaborations like Team Priceless reflect those values and give fans plenty to look forward to for this season and many more.”
The ‘Team Priceless’ program aims to bring McLaren’s global fanbase closer to the action by offering exclusive behind the scenes access including opportunities such as track hot laps and meet-and-greet sessions with star drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The initiative promises to create unforgettable experiences tailored to enhance fan interaction and deepen loyalty.
The commercial aspect of this partnership also sets a new benchmark for Formula One sponsorship deals. It positions McLaren as the last remaining team on the current F1 grid to secure a title sponsor, adding to the commercial strength across the sport.
Under Zak Brown’s leadership since 2016, McLaren’s commercial portfolio has expanded robustly including partnerships with industry giants such as Google, OKX, Dell, Android, Allwyn, and Hilton.
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