P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren didn’t jump at the first sign of a cheque-book, it is claimed
It is claimed that McLaren did not rush to sign a big-money title sponsor immediately. The new title sponsor for F1’s top team is confirmed to be Mastercard, in a deal worth $100m, leading to McLaren’s new name as McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team starting in 2026. Mastercard’s involvement with McLaren as a sponsor will now escalate as they become the Official Naming Partner next year. McLaren is the last team on the current F1 grid to secure a title sponsor, showcasing the team’s strategic approach in seeking the right partnership. With a focus on long-term, mutually beneficial relationships over short-term gains, McLaren’s careful selection of partners, like Mastercard, contributes to F1’s commercial maturity.