McLaren has secured a significant new partnership with Mastercard, which will become the official naming partner of the Formula 1 team from the 2026 season onward. The deal, valued at $100 million per year, will rebrand the team as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, marking a major step in enhancing the squad’s identity and global presence. McLaren’s chief executive Zak Brown called this deal a pivotal moment for the team and its worldwide fan base.
Mastercard, an American multinational payment company headquartered in New York, is one of the leading financial services firms, with reported assets exceeding $48.1 billion according to Forbes. This partnership places Mastercard alongside other top-tier sponsors in Formula 1, adding a powerful brand to McLaren’s portfolio. Mastercard’s involvement will also extend beyond branding, as the company plans to launch a fan-focused program next year that aims to deliver exclusive experiences and bring fans closer to the team.</p>
“A big moment for the team as well as our fans around the world. Mastercard shares our passion for creating unforgettable experiences and will be launching a fan-focused programme next year to offer truly priceless moments and bring fans closer to the team than ever before. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together,” — Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
In the competitive landscape of Formula 1 sponsorship, Mastercard’s main rival Visa holds the title sponsorship for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, adding an interesting dynamic to the sport’s commercial partnerships.
McLaren’s Strong Performance Leads into Summer Break
McLaren’s momentum on the track has matched its off-track success, with the team delivering an impressive first half of the 2025 season. They dominated 11 out of 14 races, with their drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris combining for a powerful points haul. Piastri has taken six victories, while Norris closely follows with five wins, underpinning McLaren’s leadership in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships.
Zak Brown expressed his pride in the team’s achievements after the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting the flawless teamwork that went into their performance. He praised the drivers, pit crew, and race strategists for delivering near-perfect results, setting a confident tone as the team heads into the summer break.
“A great way to go into the summer break. I’ve got to say, you’re never perfect in a race, you have to go back [and analyse] but I think it was about as close to perfect as you can get. The drivers were awesome, the pit stops were amazing, the strategy was great to get Lando up there, Oscar drove brilliantly, I just couldn’t be prouder of this racing team.” — Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
After 14 races and three sprint events, McLaren leads the Constructors‘ Championship with 559 points, while Oscar Piastri tops the Drivers‘ Championship standings with 284 points, narrowly ahead of Lando Norris, who holds 275 points. This leaderboard dominance not only reflects the drivers’ skill but also the team’s collective effort toward championship success.
Looking Ahead: What the Mastercard Deal Means for McLaren
As McLaren prepares to enter a new era as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, the $100 million annual deal represents more than just financial backing. It signals growing confidence in the team’s competitiveness and its ability to engage a global fan audience. The planned fan engagement initiatives by Mastercard will likely deepen supporters’ connection to the team, strengthening McLaren‘s brand in a rapidly evolving sport.
Meanwhile, with the strong performances of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fueling championship ambitions, McLaren seems poised to build on its successful first half of the season. The combination of on-track success and off-track partnerships suggests a promising future for the team in the coming seasons.
