McLaren has secured a major title sponsorship deal, rebranding the team as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team from 2026. This announcement, made in Amsterdam, signals a new chapter for the Woking-based outfit.
Why it matters
The partnership is a significant financial boost and reflects McLaren's commitment to fan engagement. CEO Zak Brown highlighted the importance of the "Papaya Family" and promised incredible experiences for fans.
The details
- New Identity: From 2026, the team will be officially known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team.
- CEO's Vision: Zak Brown stated, "There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans... we will continue to put our fans first, bring them even closer to the team, and offer incredible experiences."
- Strategic Fit: Brown emphasized Mastercard as "a fantastic partner who shares our passion and values," seeing them as a perfect launch pad for future success.
Ecclestone Warns Verstappen
In other F1 news, legendary figure Bernie Ecclestone has issued a stark warning to 막스 베르스타펜 (Max Verstappen). The 94-year-old motorsport chief believes a move to Scuderia Ferrari would be "the end of his career."
The big picture
베르스타펜 (Verstappen) recently reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull Racing, quashing immediate transfer rumors. However, Ecclestone's comments reignite speculation about potential long-term moves and the perceived challenges of racing for Ferrari. Despite Ferrari's storied history, the team has faced difficulties in consistently delivering championship-winning campaigns in recent years, a factor Ecclestone likely alludes to.