What McLaren Racing does

McLaren Racing is a privately held motorsport organization headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, United Kingdom, operating racing programs across Formula 1, IndyCar, and the incoming FIA World Endurance Championship. Founded in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, the organization fields the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (with the MCL40 chassis and Mercedes hybrid power unit, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri), the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team (three-car Chevrolet-powered program including Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, majority-owned since 2021), and the newly announced McLaren Hypercar Team entering the WEC top class in 2027 with the Dallara-built MCL-HY operated alongside United Autosports. The team won the F1 Constructors' World Championship in 2024 and successfully defended it in 2025, with Norris taking back-to-back Drivers' titles.

The organization's core technology stack is built around proprietary aerodynamics, simulation tools, and data analytics developed through F1 competition, augmented by formal R&D partnerships with Cisco (AI-driven observability via Splunk) and KAUST (advanced sensor development). It operates a substantial direct-to-consumer platform spanning the McLaren Racing App, the McLaren Store global e-commerce operation, the MCL Collect digital collectibles platform, and physical merchandise at 23+ race weekends annually.

McLaren Racing's business model is anchored in multi-year enterprise sponsorship agreements with title partners Mastercard and OKX, plus tier-one technology, financial, apparel, and lifestyle partners (Cisco, Google, Dell, PUMA, LEGO, Reiss, Arrow Electronics, Pirelli, Alpinestars, Deloitte, Richard Mille, and others). Secondary revenue streams include F1 Constructors' prize money under the Concorde Agreement (~$165M for the 2024 title), IndyCar sponsorship and prize money, licensing (LEGO, Reiss apparel), and DTC merchandise. It serves two primary customer sets: enterprise B2B sponsors seeking premium brand association, hospitality, and innovation positioning; and a global base of motorsport fans purchasing merchandise, digital collectibles, and engagement experiences.

Name

McLaren Racing

Legal name

McLaren Racing

Website

https://mclaren.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

McLaren Racing is a privately held motorsport organization operating Formula 1, IndyCar, and incoming FIA World Endurance Championship programs for global sponsors, fans, and partners, generating revenue through enterprise sponsorships, F1 prize money, IndyCar operations, and direct-to-consumer merchandise and digital collectibles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Motorsport Racing

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Motorsports Teams & Entrants (Factory & Independent) (MPAKAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motorsports Events (F1, NASCAR, Rally, Moto) (MPAGAMAD), Motorsports & Racing Experiences (THAJAFAF)

Keywords

• Formula 1 racing
• Motorsport competition
• IndyCar racing
• Endurance racing
• Sponsorship marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Woking

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Sponsorship & Partnership Revenue: McLaren generates significant revenue through sponsorship agreements with corporate partners across technology, finance, lifestyle, and automotive sectors. Partners include OKX, Mastercard, Cisco, Google, Dell, PUMA, and numerous others. Sponsorship deals provide brand visibility, experiential marketing, and technology partnerships.
2. Prize Money & Championship Revenue: Revenue from Formula 1 Constructors' Championship prize distribution. McLaren reportedly earned around $165 million for their 2024 championship win. Prize money is distributed based on championship standings and under the Concorde Agreement.
3. Merchandise & Licensing: Revenue from McLaren Store e-commerce sales of team merchandise, replica kits, and licensed products including LEGO sets, apparel, and accessories. Also includes licensing fees from partnerships like LEGO and Reiss.
4. IndyCar Program Revenue: Arrow McLaren IndyCar team generates revenue through title sponsorship (Arrow Electronics), Chevrolet powertrain supply, and partnerships. In 2025, the team achieved two wins, 12 podium finishes, and three poles.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

McLaren Racing is a professional motorsport team that designs, builds, and races proprietary cars in Formula 1 (MCL40 with Mercedes powertrain), IndyCar (Arrow McLaren with Chevrolet powertrains), and Endurance racing (MCL-HY LMDh Hypercar for WEC 2027). The organization generates revenue through corporate sponsorship and partnership sales, championship prize money, branded merchandise and licensing, and B2B hospitality experiences at race weekends.

Product overview

McLaren Racing competes across multiple racing disciplines including Formula 1 (MCL40 with drivers Norris and Piastri), IndyCar (Arrow McLaren with O'Ward, Siegel, and Lundgaard), and Endurance racing (McLaren Hypercar Team with MCL-HY LMDh prototype targeting 2027 WEC entry). The organization also operates fan engagement platforms including the McLaren Racing App for live commentary and content, and MCL Collect for digital F1 collectibles. In 2025, McLaren won the Constructors' World Championship and achieved its best-ever IndyCar season. The Hypercar program marks McLaren's return to top-tier endurance racing after 30 years, with the MCL-HY developed in partnership with Dallara and United Autosports.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• McLaren Hypercar Team: McLaren's program competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class starting 2027

Products and services

• McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team McLaren's Formula 1 racing program competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship, fielding drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The team won the 2024 and 2025 Constructors' World Championships and competes with the MCL40 car in the 2026 season. Targeted at global motorsport audiences, corporate sponsors, and championship organizers.
• Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team McLaren's INDYCAR racing program fielding three full-time entries with drivers Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, powered by Chevrolet engines. Achieved its best-ever season in 2025 with 2 wins, 12 podium finishes, and 3 poles. Targeted at North American motorsport audiences and corporate sponsors.
• McLaren Hypercar Team McLaren's LMDh endurance racing program competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class starting in 2027. The MCL-HY prototype is designed by McLaren, built by Dallara, and operated in partnership with United Autosports, featuring a V6 twin-turbo engine. The car made its public debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Targeted at endurance racing audiences and the Triple Crown pursuit.
• McLaren Racing App Official fan engagement mobile application providing live race commentary, latest news articles, exclusive content, and opportunities to win experiences including meeting the team and visiting the McLaren Technology Centre. Available on iOS and Android platforms. Targeted at global motorsport fans and McLaren Racing Club members.
• MCL Collect Digital collectibles platform allowing fans to own race momentos and unlock exclusive rewards connected to the McLaren F1 team. Provides access to digital memorabilia and experiential rewards. Targeted at F1 collectors and digitally-engaged motorsport fans.

Quantifiable outcome

• 203 Grand Prix wins in Formula 1 history
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, marketing, brand, title sponsor and technical.

• CiscocoreTechnology or Integration · 6 July 2026McLaren extended its long-standing technology partnership with Cisco, marking a shift toward AI-driven observability and predictive action in Formula 1 operations. The partnership has evolved from basic Webex communication tools to a comprehensive cross-portfolio relationship including enterprise networking, network security, and observability capabilities, with Splunk consolidated under Cisco. An exclusive event titled 'High-Speed AI: Executive Conversations' was held at the McLaren Technology Center.
• Mercedes-AMG High Performance PowertrainscoreTechnology or IntegrationMcLaren receives Mercedes powertrain supply and reliability upgrades for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mercedes is providing updated power unit specifications specifically designed to eliminate severe battery-related failures that have plagued the 2026 power units.
• DallaracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDallara serves as the chassis manufacturer for McLaren's LMDh Hypercar program competing in the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship. McLaren designs the car while Dallara handles manufacturing.
• United AutosportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Autosports partners with McLaren to operate the LMDh Hypercar program in the FIA World Endurance Championship starting in 2027. The partnership combines McLaren's technical expertise with United Autosports' endurance racing experience.
• KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerA five-year research technology partnership focused on R&D and extreme performance technology. KAUST researchers work with McLaren Formula 1 to develop advanced sensors including strain sensors, flow sensors, inertial sensors, and wireless sensors for race car applications. The goal is to create lighter, less intrusive sensors providing data not accessible with current methods.
• Velo (BAT)marketingGTM or Marketing PartnerVelo and McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team launched the global 'Live Your Fandom' fan competition for 2026, now in its second year. The campaign invites fans to submit creative dream experiences for exclusive experiences, featuring drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Velo (BAT)marketingGTM or Marketing PartnerVelo x McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team relaunched the 'Live Your Fandom' campaign for a second year, featuring a fan experience in London ahead of the British Grand Prix and global contest. Research commissioned by Velo found that 49% of sports fans have missed an event they desperately wanted to attend.
• LEGObrandGTM or Marketing PartnerMcLaren and LEGO co-created helmet sets to celebrate McLaren's 1,000th Formula 1 World Championship race at the Monaco Grand Prix. The collaboration produced LEGO Edition display helmets for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, each containing over 793 pieces.
• LEGObrandGTM or Marketing PartnerOngoing partnership producing McLaren LEGO sets including Formula 1 cars (MP4/4, MCL60, MCL38), Automotive cars, and Electric Racing cars. Sets range from £20.99 to £389.99.
• Arrow Electronicstitle sponsorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArrow Electronics serves as the title sponsor of Arrow McLaren IndyCar team. McLaren Racing acquired 75% stake in the team by end of 2021 to expand IndyCar presence with a third car. The partnership began with Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
• ChevroletcoreTechnology or IntegrationChevrolet provides powertrains for the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team. The team competes with Chevrolet engines in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
• Arrow McLaren SP (IndyCar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcLaren Racing acquired 75% stake in Arrow McLaren SP (formerly Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports) by end of 2021 to expand IndyCar presence. In 2025, the team achieved its best-ever season with 2 wins, 12 podiums, and 3 poles.
• PUMAbrandGTM or Marketing PartnerPUMA is the official kit and apparel partner for McLaren Racing across Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E, and F1 Academy teams. The partnership supplies and outfits all drivers and crew members.
• OKXtitle sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerOKX is the title partner for the McLaren F1 Team, providing cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain technology partnership visibility across the Formula 1 program.
• Mastercardtitle sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerMastercard is the title partner for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, providing payment technology partnership visibility across the Formula 1 program.
• Richard MillebrandGTM or Marketing PartnerRichard Mille is a luxury watch partner sponsoring both Ferrari and McLaren simultaneously, representing the intersection of luxury watchmaking and Formula 1 racing.
• AlpinestarstechnicalGTM or Marketing PartnerAlpinestars became McLaren Racing's official partner for technical clothing across Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E, and F1 Academy teams. Both companies were founded in 1963 and share values of innovation and technical development.
• DeloittestrategicTechnology or IntegrationDeloitte serves as a professional services partner for McLaren Racing, providing consulting and technology services across the racing organization.
• PirellicoreTechnology or IntegrationPirelli has been the exclusive global tire partner to the FIA Formula One World Championship since 2011, supplying tires to all F1 teams including McLaren.
• PirellicoreTechnology or IntegrationPirelli serves as the official tire supplier for Formula 1, providing tires for McLaren and all other teams.
• UdemystrategicTechnology or IntegrationMcLaren and Udemy partnered to create courses on high-performance culture, leadership skills for success, and playing to team strengths on and off the race track.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Scuderia Ferrari HP (F1 Team): Ferrari's factory Formula 1 team competing with its own power units and chassis. Direct constructor rival to McLaren in the F1 Constructors' Championship, sharing prize-money distribution, sponsor economics and the cost-cap framework.
• Oracle Red Bull Racing: Red Bull's factory-supported F1 team, recent multiple-time Constructors' and Drivers' Champion. Directly competes with McLaren on track and in the sponsorship, merchandise and content markets.
• Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team: Mercedes' factory F1 team and McLaren's power-unit supplier. Direct track rival currently leading the 2026 Constructors' standings; the dual customer/supplier relationship makes Mercedes a uniquely close comparable.
• Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team: Aston Martin's factory F1 team with Honda power units. Direct competitor in the constructors' standings and in attracting premium sponsorships (title, Aramco, Cognizant).
• BWT Alpine F1 Team: Renault/Alpine's factory F1 team competing with its own power units. Comparable scale, sponsorship dynamics and cost-cap constraints to McLaren.
• Williams Racing: Independent constructor team in F1 with Mercedes power units, similar customer-engineer profile to McLaren. Direct competitor in constructors' standings and comparable in commercial-scale trajectory under Dorilton Capital ownership.
• Kick Sauber (Audi F1 Project): Sauber, transitioning into the Audi factory F1 team. Same cost-cap and constructor framework as McLaren, with an analogous customer-to-factory trajectory in powertrain development.
• MoneyGram Haas F1 Team: Smallest current F1 constructor with Ferrari power units and a US ownership base. Comparable in operating under the cost cap with a leaner commercial footprint versus McLaren.
• Team Penske: Dominant IndyCar team and long-standing McLaren rival in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Closest comparable for Arrow McLaren on series economics, sponsorships and technical competition.
• Chip Ganassi Racing: Top multi-car IndyCar entrant competing directly against Arrow McLaren. Comparable in scale, OEM (Honda) partnerships and championship contention.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors5 records

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M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about McLaren Racing