Haas Signs Castore for 2026 Kit Deal Amid McLaren Partnership Shift

Haas has announced a multi-year partnership with Castore to become its official apparel and retail partner starting in the 2026 F1 season. The deal marks a significant shift in the F1 apparel landscape, as Castore is set to replace its current partnership with reigning champions McLaren, who are widely expected to switch to Puma.

Why it matters:

For Haas, securing a premium brand like Castore is a statement of intent, elevating the team's commercial profile after its most successful season since 2018 and a deepened technical partnership with Toyota. It also highlights the highly competitive and fluid nature of F1's commercial side, where even top teams like McLaren make strategic shifts to optimize their brand and retail operations.

The details:

• Haas's new look: The multi-year deal with Castore will provide team kit and launch an elevated retail experience for fans, aligning with the team's rebranding as "TGR Haas F1 Team."
• A season of momentum: The partnership follows Haas's strong 2025 season, where they scored a best-since-2018 79 points and secured standout results with drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon.
• McLaren's expected exit: Reigning champions McLaren are reportedly terminating their Castore contract—a five-year deal worth an estimated £30m per season—a year early to facilitate a move to Puma for 2026.
• The tell-tale sign: Strong evidence of McLaren's switch to Puma was found on their official online store's company details, which list the operator as "stichd, a member of the PUMA group."

What's next:

All eyes will be on the launch of Haas's new Castore-designed teamwear and fan merchandise as the 2026 season approaches. The final piece of the puzzle is an official confirmation from McLaren regarding their widely anticipated partnership with Puma, which will solidify the new commercial landscape on the grid.