McLaren Racing announces Etihad Airways as official partner | News
McLaren Racing today announced that Etihad, the UAE’s national airline, will become an official partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond.
The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to innovation, ambition and delivering exceptional experiences for fans and customers around the world. With strong synergy between racing and travel, this unique partnership will bring fans closer to the action through Etihad’s fast-growing network of more than 100 destinations.
As McLaren competes in multiple series around the world, Etihad will support the team through its global network stretching from leading racing destinations such as the UAE, Australia, China and Japan to the UK, Spain, Italy and the US.
The Etihad logo will be prominently featured on the racing cars of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team, including the rear wing and halo of the MCL40, as well as the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team driver helmets. The partnership also offers extensive digital and experiential rights, allowing McLaren and Etihad to create meaningful fan experiences throughout the collaboration.
Later this year, Etihad will also welcome a stunning new livery to its fleet, with the McLaren Racing brand appearing on one of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The partnership builds on Etihad’s long-standing commitment to racing, including its role as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “We are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways as an official partner. As we travel to more races around the world, it is a natural fit to partner with a global airline that shares our passion for excellence. Etihad’s commitment to delivering high-quality experiences is strongly aligned with our values and we look forward to working closely together in both Formula 1 and the WEC.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “Today we are delighted to be joining forces with McLaren Racing to create an extraordinary partnership. Formula 1 racing brings fans from all over the world together in one of the most exciting sports, and we are excited to see the Etihad brand on the 2026 McLaren car as it competes globally. To celebrate the partnership, we will also unveil a stunning new aircraft livery designed with the McLaren logo, which will fly around the world. Etihad’s fast-growing network engaging with fans around the world.”
