McLaren Deal Cut Short as Rival F1 Team Makes Surprise Move due to…read more
The McLaren Formula 1 team has reportedly ended a major commercial partnership ahead of schedule, despite initial expectations that it would last until at least the end of the 2026 season. According to a report from SportBusiness, McLaren has chosen to conclude its deal with British sportswear company Castore earlier than originally planned.
Castore has been supplying McLaren’s official team apparel, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri often seen wearing their gear during race weekends. The partnership brought a distinctive look to the team’s branding, combining McLaren’s iconic papaya colors with Castore’s athletic designs.
However, it now appears that McLaren has decided to move in a new direction. SportBusiness claims that Haas, the American F1 outfit, is set to pick up where McLaren left off. Haas is expected to join Castore’s growing roster from the 2026 season onwards. Castore already provides sportswear for other prominent teams in the paddock, including reigning champions Red Bull Racing and more recently Alpine.
Details of McLaren’s decision suggest that there was a mutual break clause in the original agreement. This clause allowed either party to exit the contract early if notice was given during the 2025 season, with the termination coming into effect after 2026. However, it’s understood that McLaren exercised this option earlier than required, and both sides subsequently agreed to end the partnership at the conclusion of the 2024 season instead.
When approached for comment, both McLaren and Haas declined to provide an official statement, while Castore has yet to address the situation publicly.
New Partnership on the Horizon
Following the end of their association with Castore, McLaren appears to be preparing for a fresh start with a new apparel supplier. Rumors are swirling that McLaren is close to signing a new multi-year agreement with German sportswear giant PUMA.
PUMA has seen notable success in the Formula 1 space this year, particularly through its collaboration with Ferrari. The company’s designs have been in high demand, especially after the release of the first Lewis Hamilton-branded Ferrari merchandise. Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari created a frenzy among fans, leading to the Ferrari “44” caps selling out multiple times.
Given McLaren’s rising popularity, particularly with fan-favorite drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, expectations are high that PUMA could experience a similar surge in demand if they finalize the deal. Both Norris and Piastri have been instrumental in boosting McLaren’s public profile, and should either of them capture the drivers’ title this year, interest in McLaren merchandise could skyrocket.
Following Ferrari’s Footsteps
If the partnership between McLaren and PUMA is officially confirmed, it would mark another major coup for the German brand in the F1 market. Ferrari’s success with PUMA has demonstrated the huge potential for fashion and merchandise collaborations in the sport. McLaren would no doubt hope to replicate that model, leveraging their growing fanbase and strong driver lineup.
Additionally, aligning with PUMA could help McLaren enhance their global brand reach, tapping into PUMA’s wide distribution network and marketing expertise. This strategic move could further solidify McLaren’s position both on and off the track as they continue their push to return to championship-winning form.
As Formula 1 continues to grow its global audience, especially among younger fans, team merchandise and fashion collaborations are becoming more crucial than ever. McLaren’s shift from Castore to a global heavyweight like PUMA signals a keen awareness of the commercial opportunities available in the modern era of F1.
While fans await official confirmation from McLaren and PUMA, the move looks set to usher in an exciting new chapter for the papaya team — both in racing and in the world of lifestyle brand
