McLaren, currently the pacesetter in Formula 1, is reportedly on the verge of securing a significant new sponsorship agreement with German sportswear giant Puma, according to multiple German media outlets.
Sources including Sky Deutschland and Bild, Germany's largest newspaper, have revealed that the Woking-based team is set to partner with Puma for its off-track clothing.
The deal will see Puma supply apparel, while Alpinestars continues to provide race overalls, driver footwear, and gloves. The move marks a departure from McLaren's current off-track clothing sponsor, British brand Castore, which holds a contract through 2027.
"This was an unexpected change," Bild noted, adding, "Why the team, led by CEO Zak Brown, decided to make the early switch is unknown."
Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung quoted Brown, who hinted at the strategic rationale behind the shift, stating, "The time is right to explore other opportunities that are more in line with the strategic direction of McLaren Racing."
Sky Deutschland reported that the Puma sponsorship will commence in 2026 and extend over several years, positioning it as a long-term partnership.
Meanwhile, Castore is expected to pivot to a new Formula 1 partnership, with reports suggesting the sportswear brand will align with the American Haas team.
Puma, already a prominent player in F1, maintains sponsorship and supply deals with Ferrari, Aston Martin, Williams, and Sauber. Notably, Mercedes transitioned from Puma to another German brand, Adidas, in 2025, coinciding with Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.
