McLaren’s $100m Mastercard deal shows the power of brand value

McLaren Racing has secured the biggest commercial deal in its history, announcing Mastercard as the official naming partner of the team from 2026 in a partnership believed to be worth around $100 million per season, according to The Athletic. From next year, the team will be known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, marking the return of a title sponsor for the first time since Vodafone’s departure in 2013.

McLaren’s ability to command a deal of this magnitude underlines the strength of its brand. Few names in global sport can point to such a heritage of performance, precision, and design. Under Zak Brown’s leadership, McLaren has rebuilt not just its competitive edge on the track, but its commercial reputation off it. The result is clear: McLaren knew its worth, held out for the right partner, and secured a record-breaking agreement at precisely the right moment.