P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren to change team name in eye-watering ‘$100m’ deal
Starting from the 2026 season, the McLaren F1 team will go by the name McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, following a substantial multi-year agreement.
This move aligns with the trend of F1 teams associating with brands and sponsors, like Williams now known as Atlassian Williams Racing and Sauber as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.
Mastercard’s sponsorship deal with McLaren is valued at a staggering $100 million per season, marking the largest in the team’s history.
CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement over the partnership, emphasizing a commitment to fans and promising enhanced experiences.
McLaren will retain their current name for the rest of the 2025 season as they seek to clinch their second consecutive constructors’ championship.
The team aims to compete for both drivers’ and constructors’ titles this year, with Norris and Piastri seen as the main contenders, as F1 races resume after a summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix.
