McLaren and Mastercard seal landmark 2026 title sponsorship deal

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The McLaren F1 team will carry the name of an official title sponsor for the first time in more than a decade, after announcing that Mastercard will step up as naming partner from the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The deal significantly upgrades the existing partnership between the two brands and marks a significant commitment from the American payments giant.

McLaren and Mastercard first signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement in July 2024, but the collaboration is now set to move into a new phase. Starting in 2026, the team will be formally known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, marking the squad’s first corporate naming partner since Vodafone’s exit in 2013.

To coincide with the announcement, Mastercard also revealed plans for a fan-focused initiative called “Team Priceless”.

The program will provide McLaren fans with access to unique experiences such as track hot laps and meet-and-greets with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, further expanding the brand’s “Priceless” customer rewards philosophy.

Brown: “Fans come first”

McLaren CEO Zak Brown emphasized the fan-centric nature of the new partnership, while underlining Mastercard’s alignment with the team’s long-term goals.

“There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans, so I could not be more delighted to enter this next chapter in our partnership with Mastercard with a promise to our papaya family around the world: that we will continue to put our fans first, bring them even closer to the team, and offer incredible experiences,” said Brown.

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown on the grid in Shanghai with MasterCard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Raja Rajamannar.

“Mastercard is a fantastic partner who shares our passion and values, so to have them on board as naming partner will offer us the perfect launch pad to keep pushing on and off track - and I cannot wait to see Team Priceless come to life in 2026.”

Mastercard: Taking its Commitment to the Next Level

For Mastercard, the decision to extend its relationship with McLaren reflects its intent to embed itself deeply within Formula 1’s global fanbase while reinforcing its brand values of innovation and performance.

“Our partnership has been grounded in putting fans in pole position since day one, and becoming the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team takes that commitment to the next level,” said Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s Chief Marketing and Communication Officer.

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“McLaren Racing represents the pinnacle of innovation, precision, and performance, values that mirror our own as we push boundaries and delivering winning experiences.

“Collaborations like Team Priceless reflect those values and give fans plenty to look forward to for this season and many more.”

With Mastercard stepping up its involvement with team papaya, McLaren not only strengthens its commercial platform but also sets the stage for a fan-focused era as Formula 1 prepares for sweeping regulation changes in 2026.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.