McLaren Racing partners Etihad Airways from 2026 for F1 and WEC teams, with branding on cars/helmets, fan experiences, and a McLaren-liveried Dreamliner across global routes.
McLaren Racing has secured Etihad Airways as an Official Partner for its McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team, starting with the 2026 season and extending multi-year. The UAE national airline’s branding will appear prominently on the F1 MCL40 car’s rear wing, halo, and driver helmets, alongside the WEC Hypercar, tapping into Etihad’s network of over 100 destinations across key race markets like the UAE, Australia, UK, and US.
The alliance merges motorsport’s high-stakes precision with aviation’s global reach, enabling fan-focused activations through digital content and on-site experiences at circuits worldwide. Etihad will also unveil a custom Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery featuring McLaren Racing motifs, flying its expanding routes to engage passengers and supporters en route to events.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “We’re excited to welcome Etihad 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.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “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.”
This builds on Etihad’s motorsport legacy as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title sponsor since 2009, now amplifying McLaren’s push amid new F1 regulations and WEC commitments.
