Mastercard will become the official title partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team from 2026. This landmark agreement is estimated to be worth US$100 million per season, making it the largest commercial deal in McLaren’s history.
Why it matters
This marks the first time McLaren will have a title sponsor since Vodafone’s partnership ended in 2013. The long-term agreement is expected to run until the mid-2030s, providing significant financial stability for the Woking-based outfit. McLaren was previously the only team on the grid without a title sponsorship, and this deal now positions them with the most financially lucrative agreement among all teams, surpassing Ferrari and Red Bull’s deals, which are reportedly in the US$60-70 million range.
The big picture
McLaren Racing CEO 자크 브라운 (Zak Brown) had previously stated the team was generating significant revenue, and this deal cements that position. Mastercard has been a primary partner of McLaren since 2024, alongside OKX and Google, as part of an overhauled commercial portfolio under 브라운 (Brown)'s leadership, which now includes 53 partners.
The details
- New Team Name: From 2026, the team will be known as the ‘McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’.
- Fan Engagement: Mastercard will launch a program called ‘Team Priceless’, offering fans unique experiences at select races, including hot laps, driver meetings, and local city events.
- Launch Event: McLaren will host a fan event in 암스테르담 (Amsterdam) on August 27th to celebrate the partnership ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
What's next
This deal not only brings unprecedented financial rewards but also strategically aligns McLaren with a global powerhouse. For Mastercard, it ties them to a popular team during a period of intense competition in the financial services market, where rivals like Revolut (with Audi) and Visa/Cash App (with 레이싱 불스 (Racing Bulls)) are also investing in motorsport sponsorships. The impact on McLaren’s existing primary partners, such as OKX and Google, will be closely watched.