Etihad signs sponsorship deal with McLaren Racing

UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways has signed a sponsorship agreement with McLaren Racing, expanding the roster of Gulf airlines backing global motorsport.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline will become an official partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar team for 2026 and beyond, according to a statement by the airline.

Etihad’s branding will feature on cars and drivers’ helmets. The airline has been title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.

Bahrain’s sovereign fund Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings took full ownership of McLaren Racing in September 2025 in a deal one source said valued the company at $5 billion.

Other Gulf carriers involved in Formula 1 include Qatar Airways, which became the Global Airline Partner of F1 in 2023 under a multi-year agreement. 

Saudia has partnered with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team, securing branding on cars, driver apparel and trackside assets, while also leveraging hospitality and marketing rights.

Gulf Air is the title sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Further reading:

• Imthishan Giado: The UAE’s motorsport heart beats in the desert
• Why sports tourism has become a Middle East obsession
• Dubai enters the Gulf’s great sports race