Etihad Airways will become an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren WEC Hypercar Team from the 2026 season.
The agreement brings together two global brands with aligned ambitions around innovation, international growth and premium customer experience, while strengthening McLaren’s commercial platform ahead of F1’s next regulatory cycle.
As part of the partnership, Etihad – the national airline of the UAE – will have its branding feature prominently on the McLaren race cars, including the MCL40’s rear wing and halo, as well as on driver helmets.
The airline will also support McLaren’s global travel requirements through its network of more than 100 destinations.
“They operate across 100 different destinations. It’s another great partner for us in the Middle East region in terms of where they’re headquartered,” Matt Dennington, Co-Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren told Sector.
“When we talk about commercial strategy and having your strengths globally across different markets, that adds some great benefit and value to us.
“We are always on the road. So if we’ve got partners like Etihad, like Hilton Hotels, where we are able to feel very well looked after, that’s a performance consideration.
“We’re thrilled with the announcement, with the partnership and the experience that they provide is something that’s hugely beneficial to their customers and now us.”
The deal spans both F1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship, reflecting McLaren’s multi-series strategy as it competes across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the United States.
When we talk about commercial strategy and having your strengths globally across different markets, that adds some great benefit and value to us.
Matt Dennington
Etihad will also unveil a McLaren-branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner later this year, adding the team’s identity to one of its flagship aircraft as part of the airline’s fleet.
“Today, we are thrilled to team up with McLaren Racing to begin an extraordinary partnership,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.
“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.”
The announcement also deepens Etihad’s existing ties to the championship, having served as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
For McLaren, the agreement adds another global partner to its portfolio ahead of 2026, as teams continue to expand commercial operations in parallel with the sport’s broader international growth.
