Breaking news: McLaren to change name starting from the 2026 season
A major development is taking place within the McLaren Formula 1 team. Ahead of the 2026 season, the Woking-based squad has announced a new title partnership that will see the team undergo a rebranding. From the beginning of 2026, the team will officially compete under the name McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, a move described as the start of “a new era for the collaboration between the two companies, but also for fans around the world.”
The announcement marks a significant evolution in McLaren’s long-standing collaboration with Mastercard, which now becomes the Official Naming Partner of the team. To celebrate the rebrand, McLaren has scheduled a special launch event in Amsterdam on Wednesday, 27 August, and revealed the new initiative called “Team Priceless”. This program promises to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans, offering unique opportunities to engage with the team in its iconic papaya colours.
The official press release from McLaren and Mastercard
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership’s expansion: “There is nobody more important to us than our incredible fans, so I could not be happier to begin this new chapter of our partnership with Mastercard with a promise to our papaya family across the globe: we will continue to put the fans first, to bring them even closer to the team, and to deliver unforgettable experiences.”
Brown continued by praising Mastercard’s role in the project: “Mastercard is an extraordinary partner that shares our passion and values, so having them on board as our naming partner will provide us with the perfect platform to keep pushing forward both on and off the track. I cannot wait to see Team Priceless come to life in 2026.”
Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard, underlined the shared vision: “Our partnership has always been about putting fans in pole position, and becoming the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team takes that commitment to the next level. McLaren Racing represents the very best in innovation, precision, and performance — values that reflect our own as we push boundaries and deliver winning experiences. Collaborations like Team Priceless embody these values and give fans a great sense of anticipation for the upcoming seasons.”
A new era for McLaren in Formula 1
For McLaren, one of the most historic and successful teams in Formula 1 with a legacy that includes multiple World Championships, the rebrand with Mastercard marks more than just a name change. It is positioned as a bold step into a future where fan engagement, innovation, and global recognition are central to the team’s identity. By tying its name to a brand as internationally known as Mastercard, McLaren signals its intention to strengthen its presence both inside the paddock and beyond.
The initiative Team Priceless is expected to become a central part of this new chapter. With its aim of giving fans “priceless” experiences, the project aligns perfectly with Mastercard’s long-standing marketing philosophy, while also enhancing McLaren’s reputation as one of the most fan-focused teams on the grid. From exclusive access to behind-the-scenes events to special hospitality experiences at race weekends, McLaren supporters around the world will be offered unique ways to live Formula 1 from closer than ever before.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
With Formula 1 entering a new regulatory era in 2026, which will include significant changes to both power units and chassis design, the timing of McLaren’s rebrand could not be more symbolic. The team has been showing strong form in recent seasons with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri behind the wheel, regularly fighting for podiums and aiming to return to the very top of the sport. Combining technical progress with the strength of a global partner such as Mastercard, McLaren hopes to take another step towards becoming consistent contenders for race victories and championship titles.
For fans, this announcement means that the papaya-coloured cars they have supported so passionately will carry a new identity starting in 2026. While the DNA of McLaren remains intact, the addition of Mastercard to the team’s official name highlights how modern Formula 1 is as much about innovation in marketing and branding as it is about engineering performance. With a renewed commitment to their fanbase and a strong corporate partner, McLaren is preparing to write the next chapter of its long and storied history in the sport.
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