Did you hear the engines roar in Amsterdam? Superstar DJ Calvin Harris dropped a surprise set at a huge McLaren event! But that’s not all – the F1 team made a monumental announcement that will change their name and bring fans closer than ever before. What do you think of this game-changing move?
The vibrant city of Amsterdam recently played host to an unexpected and high-octane event as superstar DJ Calvin Harris made a surprise appearance at a McLaren x Mastercard gathering. This exclusive event, held ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, served as the platform for a monumental announcement: the iconic Formula 1 team, McLaren, is set to undergo a significant name change, reinforcing a powerful new partnership for the upcoming seasons.
Harris, the acclaimed DJ behind global hits like “Summer,” “This Is What You Came For,” and “Outside,” electrified the crowd with a dynamic performance. His surprise set brought an added layer of excitement to the proceedings, thrilling both motorsport enthusiasts and music fans alike. Following his high-energy showcase, the artist made a swift exit, reportedly heading back to his family in Ibiza, underscoring the exclusive nature of his brief but impactful appearance.
The core of the Amsterdam event centered on McLaren’s declaration that they will be rebranded as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team starting from the 2026 season. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment for the racing giant, as they confirm their first title sponsor since 2013, signifying a renewed era of robust financial and marketing collaboration in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Mastercard, deepening its involvement, simultaneously unveiled ‘Team Priceless,’ an innovative new initiative designed to bring the ardent “Papaya fans” closer to the McLaren F1 experience. This program promises unparalleled access, ranging from exhilarating hot laps and exclusive opportunities to meet the team’s star drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to valuable work experience opportunities within the formidable racing organization. This focus on fan engagement is a cornerstone of the new partnership.
Speaking passionately about the collaboration, Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, expressed his immense delight. He emphasized that the partnership with Mastercard is rooted in a shared commitment to prioritize fans, promising to deliver even more incredible experiences and closer connections to the global “Papaya Family.” Brown articulated his eagerness to witness ‘Team Priceless’ come to fruition, highlighting the potential for unparalleled interactions.
Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Mastercard, echoed this sentiment, underscoring that the long-standing partnership has always placed fans in “pole position.” He affirmed that becoming the Official Naming Partner elevates this commitment, aligning Mastercard’s values of innovation, precision, and performance with McLaren Racing’s relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track.
Both McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, acknowledged the crucial role of their loyal supporters, stating that the partnership with Mastercard would be instrumental in giving back to these dedicated fans. The team’s current dominance in the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, with a combined 11 wins this year, sets a formidable stage for the impending name change, which is set to take effect ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
