Arrow McLaren is set to lose its primary sponsor, NTT Data, at the conclusion of the 2026 season following complications tied to Alex Palou’s contract situation. The uncertainty surrounding Palou’s decision not to fulfill his contract with Arrow McLaren significantly influenced NTT Data’s choice to end their sponsorship earlier than planned.
NTT Data had maintained a long-standing relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing, initially partnering for a single Indy 500 event in 2013 before becoming a full-time sponsor in 2014. This alliance lasted until 2022, after which NTT Data transitioned its support to Arrow McLaren.
Reports indicate that NTT Data’s involvement with Arrow McLaren was closely linked to Alex Palou’s agreement with the team. Palou, who previously raced under NTT’s sponsorship from 2021 to 2022 at Chip Ganassi Racing, secured a contract with Arrow McLaren that coincided with NTT’s sponsorship deal. However, just before the 2024 season, Palou chose not to honor this contract and remained with Chip Ganassi Racing instead, prompting NTT Data to revisit their arrangement.
Initially, NTT Data committed to a six-year sponsorship deal with Arrow McLaren in 2022, targeting coverage through the 2028 season. Following Palou’s contract withdrawal, the company renegotiated the agreement, enabling them to exit after four years, effectively terminating the deal by the end of 2026.
The contract disruption has led Arrow McLaren to pursue legal action against Palou for damages stemming from his breach of contract. The team’s lawsuit demands $30 million, with approximately $23 million arising from financial losses linked to the altered NTT Data sponsorship agreement.
The renegotiated sponsorship deal reduced annual funding by over $7 million, and McLaren’s Formula 1 division also suffered an estimated $15.5 million in lost sponsorship benefits. Combined, the repercussions have cost the McLaren organization nearly $23 million in sponsorship revenue.
Current reports confirm NTT Data’s plan to end its sponsorship with both Arrow McLaren and McLaren F1 by the end of their respective 2026 and 2025 seasons. Meanwhile, Arrow McLaren has moved to strengthen relationships with other key sponsors to stabilize its financial outlook amid these setbacks.
Arrow McLaren Secures Renewed Deals with Mission Foods and onsemi
Arrow McLaren has extended contracts with two significant sponsors: Mission Foods and onsemi. Mission Foods has supported the team since 2020, maintaining a steady presence, while onsemi joined more recently, becoming a primary sponsor on the No. 6 Chevrolet for select races since 2023.
On September 9, 2025, Arrow McLaren announced these partnership renewals, securing sponsorships through the 2026 season. This continuity provides the team with vital backing amid the uncertainty created by NTT Data’s withdrawal.
“Our family of partners are critical to our team’s success, and we are thrilled to have Mission Foods’ and onsemi’s support continue into next season and beyond. They’ve become familiar names within our sport, and they love both racing and INDYCAR. We’re proud to continue to collaborate with them and provide one-of-a-kind experiences for their organizations and their guests at track,” said Arrow McLaren’s President, Kevin Thimjon.
With NTT Data’s confirmed exit after 2026, these renewals ensure that Arrow McLaren retains a foundation of sponsorship while navigating the contractual challenges involving Alex Palou and the resulting financial impacts.
As Arrow McLaren prepares for upcoming seasons, managing sponsorship dynamics will be crucial to maintaining competitive performance and financial stability. The departure of NTT Data underscores the risks associated with contractual uncertainties in high-profile motorsports partnerships, highlighting the need for strong collaboration between drivers, teams, and sponsors moving forward.
