McLaren Racing Unlocks Global Reach with Etihad Airways Partnership

McLaren Racing has secured a high-profile agreement with Etihad Airways, naming the UAE’s national carrier as an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team.

The partnership comes as McLaren enters a new era of Formula 1 regulations and continues its aggressive expansion in endurance racing. Etihad will leverage its global network of over 100 destinations to provide logistical support and travel solutions as the team traverses a record-breaking international calendar.

Commenting on the partnership, McLaren Racing CEO, Zak Brown, said: “We’re excited to welcome Etihad as an Official Partner.”  

“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,” Brown said.

Noting the synergy between the two brands’ global ambitions, group CEO of Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “We are thrilled to team up with McLaren Racing to begin an extraordinary partnership.”

“We are excited to see the Etihad brand across the 2026 McLaren car as it competes worldwide,” Neves said.

High-Visibility Branding and Assets

The deal grants Etihad premium real estate across McLaren’s most visible assets. Starting in 2026, the airline’s branding will be featured on:

• F1 Assets: The rear wing and “halo” cockpit protection of the MCL40 race car, as well as the helmets of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• WEC Hypercar: Prominent placement on the McLaren United Autosports entry.
• Aviation Fleet: In a major brand integration, Etihad will debut a bespoke McLaren Racing livery on one of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft later this year.

Commercial Context and Timing

The partnership arrives as McLaren’s commercial roster continues to swell, recently adding Mastercard as a naming rights partner for 2026.

For Etihad, the move evolves its presence in the sport from event-specific, as the long-standing title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to a year-round global marketing platform.

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