McLaren Racing announced on Thursday that Etihad will become an official partner from the 2026 season onwards. This multi-year agreement covers not only the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team but also the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team.
The national airline of the UAE will support McLaren operationally as they compete across multiple motorsport categories worldwide. Etihad boasts a fast-growing network of more than 100 destinations, including prime F1 host markets such as the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the UK, Spain, Italy and the US.
Under this deal, Etihad branding will feature prominently on McLaren’s race cars in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship. On the MCL40, the team’s 2026 F1 challenger, the branding will appear on the rear wing and the halo. Additionally, the helmets of reigning champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will display the premier airline’s logo.
This brand-new partnership also encompasses substantial digital and experiential rights, allowing McLaren and Etihad to join forces and pursue innovation, prioritise customer satisfaction, and create meaningful experiences for fans.
The latter half of the year will also see Etihad introduce an arresting new livery to its thriving fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. One of the airline’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which operates internationally, will showcase the McLaren racing brand.
Etihad’s partnership with McLaren further bolsters their long-established commitment to motorsport, especially at the pinnacle of it. The airline has served as the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
What the CEOs of McLaren F1 and Etihad said of the official partnership
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, commented:
“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.”
