McLaren Racing Names Etihad Airways as Official Partner

McLaren Racing has announced a new partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, ahead of the 2026 racing season. Under the agreement, Etihad will become an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team.

The collaboration connects two global brands with strong international reach across sport and aviation. As McLaren competes in Formula 1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) across multiple continents, Etihad will support team travel through its network of more than 100 destinations.

The airline’s branding will appear on the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team cars, including placement on the rear wing and halo of the MCL40, as well as on driver helmets. It will also feature on the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar. The partnership includes digital and experiential rights, allowing both organisations to engage fans through joint campaigns and event-based activations.

Later this year, Etihad will introduce a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring McLaren Racing branding to its fleet. The move extends the partnership beyond the racetrack, bringing the collaboration into global air travel.

Etihad has been associated with motorsport for many years and has served as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. The new agreement with McLaren further expands its involvement in international racing.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said the partnership aligns with the team’s global travel schedule and operational needs across racing calendars. Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, noted that Formula 1 connects audiences worldwide and offers opportunities for brand engagement across key markets.

With the 2026 season approaching, the partnership sets the stage for collaboration across Formula 1 and endurance racing platforms, combining global mobility with international motorsport.