McLaren Unveils Bold Name Change Ahead of 2026 F1 Season
Amsterdam, August 27, 2025 – One of Formula 1’s most historic teams is entering a new era. McLaren Racing has confirmed that from the 2026 season, its F1 outfit will compete under a new banner: the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team.
The announcement was made in Amsterdam, just days before the Dutch Grand Prix, where team leaders, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and fans gathered to celebrate the reveal. The rebrand marks the team’s first title partnership in over a decade, reviving a tradition last seen during the Vodafone era between 2007 and 2013.
A Record-Breaking Partnership
The multi-year agreement with Mastercard is believed to be worth around $100 million per season, making it one of the richest sponsorship deals in the sport. Beyond the financial boost, McLaren insists the partnership is about creating “a new way of connecting with fans” and elevating the team’s global presence.
Introducing “Team Priceless”
At the core of the collaboration is a new fan-focused program called Team Priceless, launching in 2026. The initiative will give supporters unprecedented access to McLaren experiences—ranging from garage tours and driver meet-and-greets to curated cultural events at race weekends.
To showcase what’s coming, Mastercard staged a lively Amsterdam event filled with music, immersive F1 displays, and direct interaction between Norris, Piastri, and fans—providing a taste of the behind-the-scenes privileges the initiative promises.
Voices From the Top
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown underlined that the partnership is built around fans as much as performance:
“There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans. Together with Mastercard, we’ll bring them closer to the team than ever before.”
Mastercard’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar added that the deal “takes our commitment to Priceless experiences to the next level,” aligning the brand with McLaren’s pursuit of innovation and excellence.
Mixed Fan Reaction
While many celebrated the return of a big-name title sponsor, some fans expressed disappointment at McLaren’s iconic name being altered for commercial reasons. Critics fear the move dilutes the team’s heritage, though others see it as a necessary step to stay competitive in the modern F1 business landscape.
Why It Matters
- Historic Step: McLaren’s first title partnership in 12 years.
- Financial Power: One of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in Formula 1 today.
- Fan Engagement: A fresh approach that could redefine the relationship between teams and supporters.
As McLaren rides a wave of on-track success in 2025, the timing couldn’t be sharper. With the Mastercard rebrand, the team hopes to carry its momentum into the new F1 era beginning in 2026—an era where McLaren isn’t just racing for wins, but also rewriting how fans experience the sport.
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