McLaren Racing has revealed a new multi-year partnership with Etihad Airways, appointing the UAE national airline as an Official Partner of both the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar Team, starting with the 2026 season. This collaboration brings together two globally recognized brands sharing ambitions for innovation and delivering unparalleled experiences to fans worldwide.
Global Reach to Enhance Fan Experience Across Key Racing Venues
As McLaren competes in top-tier motorsport events across several continents, Etihad’s extensive network covering over 100 destinations will help increase accessibility for fans to major racing locations. These hubs include the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the United States, enabling a closer connection between supporters and the racing action.
Brand Visibility on McLaren Cars and Etihad Aircraft
The 2026 McLaren F1 car, designated the MCL40, will prominently feature Etihad branding on key areas such as the rear wing and the halo. This branding will also appear on the helmets worn by drivers competing in both Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship. Additionally, Etihad plans to introduce an eye-catching new livery on one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes later in 2026, showcasing McLaren Racing logos as it operates across Etihad’s expanding global route network.
Etihad’s Established Motorsport Presence and Partnership Goals
This new agreement builds on Etihad’s longstanding involvement in motorsport, where the airline has been the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership:
“We’re excited to welcome Etihad as an Official Partner. As we travel to more races around the world, working with a global airline that shares our passion for excellence is a natural fit. Etihad’s commitment to delivering high-quality experiences aligns strongly with our values, and we look forward to working closely together across both Formula 1 and WEC.” – Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, added:
“Today, we are thrilled to team up with McLaren Racing to begin an extraordinary partnership. Formula 1 racing brings together fans from around the world in one of the most exhilarating sports, and we’re excited to see the Etihad brand across the 2026 McLaren car as it competes worldwide. In celebration of the partnership, we will also unveil a stunning new aircraft livery designed with McLaren branding, which will fly across the fast-growing Etihad network, engaging with fans around the world.” – Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways
Navigating a Competitive Landscape Among Leading Airlines in F1
This announcement arrives amid continuing rivalry in Formula 1 airline sponsorship. Gulf carrier Qatar Airways remains Formula 1’s Official Airline and Global Partner through 2027 and serves as the title sponsor of the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix—a key race on the calendar where McLaren competes. This highlights the dynamic competition among leading airlines striving for visibility and influence within Formula 1.
Enhancements for McLaren Fans as the Team Enters a New Era
For followers of McLaren, this partnership signals improved fan engagement opportunities, combining the excitement of world-class racing with premium travel experiences. As McLaren prepares to compete under the 2026 regulatory changes in both Formula 1 and WEC, the collaboration with Etihad is poised to inject renewed commercial energy and enhance the global profile of the team.
