An investment group has joined the McLaren F1 team. McLaren is now valued at over $4 billion – McLaren Racing has officially finalised a significant share sale, redefining its ownership structure and boosting its valuation to a new record high. According to Bloomberg, the British team is now valued at $4.1 billion following the finalised transaction, which sees two existing investors gain complete control of the racing division.
This represents a significant shift in McLaren’s financial landscape, as well as being an indicator of the extraordinary growth in Formula 1’s commercial strength. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the deal is closed, and he believes that it signals the beginning of an even stronger future for the sport.
McLaren’s sale was finalised
Earlier, in September 2025, reports emerged that the Bahraini sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and the Abu Dhabi–based investment group CYVN Holdings were negotiating to purchase an additional 30 per cent stake in McLaren Racing. Both organisations already held significant shares in the wider McLaren Group, which oversees the brand’s automotive and racing activities.
Brown has now confirmed that the sale is complete. Speaking to Bloomberg, he said: “We’re completely done,” signaling that Mumtalakat and CYVN now hold 100 per cent ownership of McLaren Racing. This marks the first time in the F1 team’s history that it is entirely under the control of institutional investors rather than being spread across multiple shareholder groups.
Formula 1’s commercial boom
For Zak Brown, the completed deal is further proof of Formula 1’s growing profile and value. He pointed directly to the transformative changes introduced since Liberty Media acquired the sport in 2017.
“It wasn’t that long ago that Liberty took over the sport and introduced a budget cap that basically ensured financial stability, stability on the track, and competitiveness for everyone,” Brown noted.
Introduced in 2021, the budget cap has played a pivotal role in curbing runaway spending while giving smaller teams a more level playing field.
Brown highlighted how the sport has grown in almost every measurable category.
“Fans are coming by the tens and hundreds of thousands, and sponsors and partners are flocking to the sport like never before. The sport is thriving, and let’s hope it continues to do so,” he added.
Growing investor confidence
The willingness of state-backed investment funds such as Mumtalakat and CYVN to increase their investments in Formula 1 reflects this growing confidence. McLaren’s $4.1 billion valuation is not only a reflection of the team’s prestige, but also an acknowledgement of Formula 1’s increasing global commercial potential.
Brown emphasised that demand for Formula 1 is outstripping supply.
“We have 24 races, but there’s demand for probably 30 Grands Prix. So the demand is strong,” he explained.
He also pointed out that McLaren’s partners include some of the world’s most recognisable brands, such as Mastercard and Google, which is testament to the sport’s commercial appeal.
Have Formula 1 values peaked?
Some industry observers have questioned whether valuations for Formula 1 teams may already have peaked, with franchise-style teams commanding record sums. Brown, however, rejects that idea.
“I don’t believe that,” he said.
“If you look at sports in general, values have only ever gone up. Every time there’s a record-breaking deal in any sport, people say, ‘Oh, that was crazy.’ Then, five years later, you look back and see that the values have continued to rise.”
Brown compared Formula 1 to other major sports, suggesting that its growth trajectory is far from over. With demand for new races, a growing international fanbase and greater brand visibility, Formula 1 is well placed for continued growth.
The competitive landscape
Brown also highlighted the current competitive landscape in Formula 1 as another reason for optimism.
“Last year, four teams won races and seven different drivers won multiple races. I’ve never seen this in my 30 years of following the sport. The competition on the track is fantastic,” he said.
He also praised the added dimension of off-track drama, amplified by the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive, which has introduced the sport to new audiences worldwide.
“The drama off the track, captured by Netflix, is great. Demand for Grands Prix has never been higher,” he added.
Why McLaren matters to investors
McLaren Racing is one of the most storied names in Formula 1. Its legacy includes multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, legendary figures such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Lewis Hamilton, and an enduring reputation for innovation.
For investors such as Mumtalakat and CYVN Holdings, McLaren offers a high-profile sports franchise and a valuable global brand. Formula 1 teams are limited in number, effectively making them scarce commodities in the sports investment market.
By taking full control of McLaren Racing, the two investors have secured a stable platform in one of the fastest-growing sports sectors, with long-term potential for commercial and sporting success.
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The role of Liberty Media and future growth
Brown reiterated the importance of Liberty Media’s stewardship in turning Formula 1 into an investment-friendly environment.
‘The sport is really hot right now,” he said, attributing this to the introduction of the budget cap and Liberty’s broader efforts to modernise the sport’s marketing and global presence.
Under Liberty’s leadership, Formula 1 has expanded into new markets, including the United States, where high-profile races are held in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, in addition to established European venues. Its growing presence in Asia and the Middle East further highlights the sport’s global ambitions.
Future challenges and opportunities
While Brown is optimistic about the sport’s trajectory, challenges remain. The calendar is almost at capacity with 24 races, and going beyond that would put a strain on teams’ operational capabilities. Furthermore, sustainability and environmental concerns continue to influence the discourse surrounding Formula 1’s future.
Nevertheless, the appetite of investors, sponsors and fans suggests that the value of Formula 1 will continue to rise. As Brown summarised: “In many ways, our sport is just beginning to take off.”
Brown’s confidence in the sport’s long-term trajectory reflects the wider belief that its value has yet to peak. For McLaren, the full support of wealthy investors could provide the stability and resources necessary to compete at the highest level, securing its position at the forefront of Formula 1’s next growth phase.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
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