The McLaren Racing team of the iconic Formula 1 (F1) open-wheel series has announced a new partnership with US telecommunications giant T-Mobile.
The US-focused regional partnership sees T-Mobile join as an official partner of the racing team, and its exclusive 5G partner in the US.
Through the deal, McLaren will leverage T-Mobile’s 5G services at the two remaining US F1 races of the 2024 season, the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on October 20 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23.
T-Mobile branding will be present across McLaren operations throughout the two US Grand Prix weekends and into the 2025 season too, with the telecom providers logo to appear on touchpoints such as the garage headsets worn by crew members, as well as on the two McLaren cars themselves.
Speaking on the deal, McLaren Racing co-chief commercial officer Matt Dennington stated: “As our US fan base continues to grow, it is great to be able to work with more partners that will help us increase our presence and ability to activate with our fans in these regions.”
Elsewhere in F1, the MoneyGram Haas has team announced a partnership with US insurance provider Orion180.
The multi-year partnership will see Orion180 branding take prominent presence on Haas’ two competing cars, race suits worn by its two drivers, and team kit worn by its crew from the 2025 season onward.
Orion180 will activate in collaboration with Haas throughout the deal, particularly across the trio of US-hosted Grand Prix races, which alongside the two aforementioned races also includes the annual Miami Grand Prix in Miami, Florida.
The partnership was brokered by the Excel Sports management agency, which earlier in 2024 expanded its properties division internationally.
This announcement comes off the back of the news last week (October 11) that Haas was partnering with Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota for that firm's return to the F1 series.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, the carmaker's motorsport division, will become Haas's official technical partner with both parties sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources.
Toyota will provide design, technical, and manufacturing services, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits.
Haas will continue to use Ferrari power units after agreeing a contract extension in July to the end of 2028.
