McLaren Racing, the reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions, has announced a multi-year partnership with Etihad Airways, which will join as an official partner from the 2026 season onwards.
The agreement sees Etihad become an official partner of both the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports World Endurance Championship Hypercar Team, marking a cross-series collaboration that reflects McLaren’s expanding global racing footprint.
As McLaren competes across Formula 1 and endurance racing in key markets including the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the United States, Etihad will support the team through its international route network spanning more than 100 destinations. The partnership aligns the logistical demands of a global racing operation with the connectivity of a rapidly growing premium airline.
Zak Brown, CEO, 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, 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 alliance also deepens McLaren’s commercial portfolio, adding a flagship aviation partner to a sponsorship roster that includes major global brands such as Dell Technologies, Rubrik, Deloitte, AkzoNobel, PUMA, ONEflight, Hedera, and Schneider Electric. For Etihad, the agreement builds on its long-standing association with Formula 1, including title sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and complements partnerships across international sport such as EuroLeague Basketball and the Badminton World Federation.
The partnership underscores Formula 1’s sustained commercial growth, as global airlines and premium brands continue to leverage the championship’s international calendar and high-value hospitality ecosystem to reach affluent consumers and corporate decision-makers.
Etihad branding and joint activations are expected to roll out in advance of the 2026 season, signalling the start of what both organisations describe as a long-term strategic collaboration.
