McLaren Racing has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Mastercard, with the global payments provider set to become the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team starting in 2026. This landmark deal will see the team rebranded as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, marking a new era for the historic racing outfit.
The agreement, reportedly valued at $100 million per season and extending into the mid-2030s, is the largest commercial deal in McLaren's history and positions it with the most lucrative naming rights agreement among Formula 1 teams. This surpasses deals such as Ferrari's with HP and Red Bull's with Oracle, which are estimated to be between $60-70 million annually. This partnership signifies McLaren's return to having a title sponsor for the first time since the conclusion of its long-standing relationship with Vodafone at the end of the 2013 season.
Mastercard's commitment to McLaren highlights a broader trend in Formula 1, where team sponsorship is a dominant strategy, accounting for 70% of total sponsorship spend. The financial services sector alone contributed $379 million in sponsorships to F1 teams in 2024, reflecting the sport's growing global appeal and its ability to attract diverse brands.
A key element of this new chapter is Mastercard's 'Team Priceless' initiative, a global program designed to enhance fan engagement. This initiative aims to provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and unique experiences throughout the racing season, potentially including opportunities for hot laps, meet-and-greets with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and experiences that highlight local cultures of host cities. Details regarding fan recruitment and the specifics of the 'Team Priceless' program are expected to be announced soon.
The partnership was officially celebrated with a fan event in Amsterdam on August 27, 2025, featuring McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, alongside live musical performances, underscoring the shared values of innovation, precision, and performance between Mastercard and McLaren Racing. Mastercard's extensive history in sports sponsorship, including a 30-year association with the UEFA Champions League and involvement in esports, demonstrates a strategic approach to connecting with audiences through their passions. This move into Formula 1 aligns with their objective of offering unique and memorable experiences, reinforcing their brand's presence in high-profile global sporting events. The financial giant's investment in McLaren Racing not only bolsters the team's commercial standing but also amplifies Mastercard's reach within the rapidly expanding and highly engaged Formula 1 fanbase.