Papaya livery to stay under new McLaren deal

McLaren will be renamed the McLaren Mastercard from 2026 after signing what is believed to be the biggest sponsorship deal in its history.

Unveiled in Amsterdam ahead of the Dutch GP, CEO Zak Brown was quick to ease fan concerns about the familiar and popular papaya look.

“Don’t worry, the car will remain recognisable,” he promised. The contract is believed to be worth around $100 million annually, eclipsing all past commercial deals.

McLaren last carried a title sponsor when Vodafone was on the car more than a decade ago. The team emphasised that the partnership is designed to deliver more for fans.

Mastercard’s expanded role introduces “Team Priceless”, a program of exclusive access that includes garage tours, hot laps, driver meet-and-greets and cultural activations around the race calendar.

“There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans,” said Brown. “This naming partnership is about continuing to put them first and bringing them closer to the team than ever before.”

Mastercard’s global marketing chief Raja Rajamannar said the partnership builds on shared values of innovation and performance.

“This takes our commitment to fans to the next level,” he said. Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, meanwhile, said McLaren’s resurgence is down to its management stability.

“Zak Brown has the right people around him, and he keeps them together,” the 94-year-old told sport.de.

"That’s why McLaren is doing a good job. I told him once 'I don’t think you’re very talented, but one of your talents is that you choose the right people to work for you."