McLaren Racing has announced that Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will become an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team from the 2026 season and beyond.
The deal spans two of motorsport’s premier competitions, with Etihad’s branding set to appear on the MCL40’s rear wing and halo, as well as on the helmets of McLaren Mastercard F1 Team drivers. The partnership also includes digital and experiential rights, with the two organisations set to create fan experiences over the course of the arrangement.
Etihad’s network of more than 100 destinations will support McLaren as the team competes across multiple series. The airline’s routes cover a number of the calendar’s locations, including the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the United States.
Etihad Airways ioins McLaren as official partner across Formula 1, WEC Hypercar programme
Later in 2026, Etihad will unveil a new livery on one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, carrying the McLaren Racing brand across the airline’s network.
“We’re excited to welcome Etihad Airways 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,” Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing said in a statement.
The partnership builds on Etihad’s existing presence in Formula 1. The airline has served as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
“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,” Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Airways added.
