McLaren Racing Forges Major Partnership with Etihad Airways
In a significant development for global motorsport, McLaren Racing has officially announced Etihad Airways as its new official partner, with the multi-year agreement set to commence from the 2026 racing season. This strategic partnership encompasses both the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar Team, marking a substantial collaboration in the high-speed world of international racing.
Comprehensive Branding Integration Across Racing Platforms
The partnership will see Etihad Airways branding prominently featured across McLaren's racing assets. On the Formula 1 front, the airline's logo will appear on the rear wing and halo of the McLaren MCL40 race car, while also being displayed on the helmets of McLaren drivers. This visual integration extends to the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar, ensuring Etihad's presence across multiple racing disciplines.
Beyond traditional branding, the collaboration includes extensive digital and experiential rights, enabling both organizations to develop innovative fan engagement initiatives throughout the duration of their agreement. This holistic approach aims to create immersive experiences for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
Leadership Perspectives on the Strategic Alliance
Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, "We're excited to welcome Etihad Airways as an Official Partner. 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."
Echoing this sentiment, 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."
Etihad's Expanding Role in Global Motorsport
As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways will provide crucial support for McLaren's global operations as the team competes across multiple racing series worldwide. The airline operates an extensive network of more than 100 destinations, including key Formula 1 host markets such as:
- The United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- China
- Japan
- The United Kingdom
- Spain
- Italy
- The United States
This global reach positions Etihad as an ideal partner for McLaren's international racing endeavors.
Additional Collaborative Initiatives
Later this year, Etihad Airways will introduce a special aircraft livery featuring McLaren Racing branding. This distinctive design will be applied to the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which operates across its international network, creating a flying tribute to the partnership.
Etihad's involvement in motorsport extends beyond this new McLaren partnership. The airline has served as the title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to Formula 1 racing in the Middle East region.
The McLaren-Etihad partnership represents a convergence of two brands renowned for excellence, innovation, and global reach. As both organizations prepare for the 2026 season, this collaboration promises to deliver enhanced fan experiences and strengthened competitive presence across the world's premier racing circuits.
