McLaren Racing Announces Etihad Airways as an Official Partner

McLaren Racing has announced a significant new multi-year partnership with Etihad Airways, naming the UAE national airline as an Official Partner of both its McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and McLaren United Autosports World Endurance Championship Hypercar Team starting with the 2026 season.

The collaboration unites two brands renowned for innovation, ambition, and delivering world-class experiences to global audiences. With McLaren competing across continents in Formula 1 and WEC, Etihad’s extensive network of more than 100 destinations will help bring fans closer to the action at key racing hubs including the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the United States.

Etihad branding will feature prominently on the 2026 McLaren F1 car (the MCL40), appearing on the rear wing and halo, as well as on driver helmets for both series. The partnership also includes extensive digital and experiential activations designed to create memorable fan engagements throughout the season.

Later in 2026, Etihad will unveil a striking new livery on one of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, showcasing McLaren Racing branding as it flies across the airline’s growing global route network.

The deal further strengthens Etihad’s long-standing involvement in motorsport, where it has served as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Etihad as an Official Partner. As we travel to more races around the world, 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.”

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. In celebration of the partnership, we will also unveil a stunning new aircraft livery designed with McLaren branding, which will fly across the fast-growing Etihad network, engaging with fans around the world.”

The announcement arrives as rival Gulf carrier Qatar Airways continues its role as Formula 1’s Official Airline and Global Partner through 2027. Qatar Airways also serves as title sponsor of the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix — one of the marquee events on the calendar in which McLaren races — highlighting the competitive dynamics among leading airlines in the high-profile world of Formula 1 sponsorship.

For McLaren fans, the tie-up promises enhanced access and unique experiences linking the thrill of the racetrack with premium travel, as the team enters the new 2026 regulations era with renewed commercial momentum.