Last Updated on January 21 2026, 12:31 pm
On Tuesday, McLaren Racing officially announced a major new partnership with PUMA, the globally renowned German sportswear company. The collaboration, the subject of speculation since May 2025, will see PUMA become the British team’s new official equipment partner, replacing Castore. The agreement extends to several of the “Papayas’” divisions, including Formula 1, IndyCar, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the sim racing team and the F1 Academy team.
Fans had been eagerly awaiting the news since reports in spring 2025 by SportBusiness suggested that McLaren and PUMA were in advanced talks. Now, after months of speculation, the deal has been officially confirmed, signalling an exciting new chapter for both brands.
A strategic match: McLaren and PUMA
McLaren CEO Zak Brown emphasised the importance of the partnership, highlighting how PUMA’s expertise aligns with the team’s ambitions both on and off the track.
“I can’t imagine a better partner than PUMA to help us expand our fanwear portfolio. We know that fans want to express their passion for our sport both on and off the track, and PUMA’s innovative approach to design and culture will deliver exciting collections and events worldwide,” he said in the official announcement.
For PUMA, the collaboration offers a chance to reinforce its presence in motorsport and in the field of high-performance lifestyle products.
CEO Arthur Hoeld stated, “We are honoured to welcome McLaren Racing, the 2025 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Champions, as our new partner.”
MORE F1 NEWS – Sudden F1 Exit as Aston Martin criticism resurfaces
Replacing Castore: A new era in fanwear
PUMA is taking over from British outfitter Castore, which had been McLaren’s official partner for several seasons. This change represents a strategic shift as McLaren looks to expand its lifestyle and performance offerings. PUMA’s involvement will extend beyond team racewear to include replica collections, fanwear and lifestyle apparel.
This expansion is part of McLaren’s wider strategy to engage with a global audience. Given PUMA’s reputation for combining style and performance, the partnership will create collections appealing not only to hardcore motorsport fans, but also to consumers seeking high-quality, fashion-forward sportswear.
MORE F1 NEWS – Mercedes boss exit just before start of season
Upcoming collections: Race Louder
The first fruits of the collaboration will be seen in the “Race Louder” campaign, which will be launched in stages. A lifestyle collection featuring apparel that blends track-inspired design with everyday wearability is scheduled for release on 20 January.
Following this, a replica collection will be made available on 2 February, enabling fans to purchase official team gear and demonstrate their support in authentic McLaren style.
Looking ahead, this collaboration marks a significant milestone for McLaren, as the team continues to build its brand beyond the racetrack.
NEXT ARTICLE – ‘British Bias’ Big questions over Verstappen before 2026 era even begins
Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator, Johnny Herbert, is questioning Verstappen even before the 2026 era has begun – Herbert has done it again. Even before a single competitive lap has been completed under Formula 1’s radical new 2026 regulations, the former F1 driver has already cast doubt on Max Verstappen’s future dominance, prompting renewed accusations of British bias in the UK press.
“Can I imagine the new rules not being to Max’s liking? Yes!” Herbert said, suggesting that Verstappen may not automatically thrive once Formula 1 resets its technical rulebook.
This is a familiar stance for the Briton, who has often criticised the Red Bull driver in the past, and it has resurfaced even before the new generation of cars has turned a wheel.
Verstappen’s dominance ‘means nothing’ for 2026
There is no disputing Verstappen’s statistical superiority during the ground-effect era. The Dutchman has won 51 of the 92 Grands Prix held since the regulations were introduced, making him the most successful driver of that period by a significant margin.
However, Herbert insists that this record counts for little once the sport enters a new technical cycle.
“Max Verstappen is only human,” he said. “Yes, he’s currently the best, but that doesn’t mean he’ll always be the fastest. It depends on the car and whether you’re suited to it.”
Formula 1’s 2026 cars will be fundamentally different, being around twenty centimetres shorter and thirty kilograms lighter. They will be equipped with active aerodynamics and powered by new hybrid engines running on sustainable fuel, with a 50/50 split between combustion and electric energy. DRS will be replaced by…CONTINUE WITH THIS STORY
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.
