McLaren Racing has reached a major milestone, with its Formula 1 arm now valued at more than £3 billion following a landmark deal that will see Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings buy out a 30% minority stake. The move not only highlights McLaren’s dramatic resurgence but also reflects Formula 1’s growing stature as a global sports and entertainment powerhouse.
A Remarkable Rise in Valuation
Only five years ago, McLaren was valued at around £560 million, weighed down by the financial challenges of the pandemic and struggles on the track. Since then, the team’s fortunes have been transformed, with renewed competitiveness in Formula 1, stronger commercial partnerships, and a reenergized global fanbase.
The surge in valuation mirrors both McLaren’s sporting turnaround and the broader commercial boom of F1. The sport has attracted new audiences worldwide, powered by streaming, global expansion, and heightened media coverage. McLaren, one of the sport’s most historic teams, has been a major beneficiary of this shift.
Success On and Off the Track
On the racing side, McLaren has returned to the top tier of the sport. The team captured the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 and currently leads both the team and driver standings in 2025. This sporting success has translated directly into commercial strength, with new sponsors, higher visibility, and a stronger brand proposition.
Beyond F1, McLaren has continued to expand its motorsport footprint, exploring endurance racing opportunities and diversifying its presence across global competitions. Commercially, the company is already looking ahead to its 2026 title sponsorship with Mastercard, which is expected to bring further financial muscle and international reach.
Reshaping Ownership and Strategy
This latest deal simplifies McLaren’s ownership structure, consolidating control in the hands of Gulf-based investors. Mumtalakat, the existing majority shareholder, strengthens its long-term influence, while CYVN Holdings’ participation underscores Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to expand its role in global motorsport and technology-driven ventures.
For early investors who stepped in during McLaren’s financial difficulties, such as sports capital funds and private equity groups, the deal represents a significant return. Having provided crucial funding at a time of uncertainty, they now exit with the benefit of McLaren’s resurgence reflected in the new valuation.
What the Future Holds
The injection of capital and streamlined ownership set the stage for McLaren to continue building on its momentum. Key areas of focus include:
-Technological innovation: Leveraging Formula 1 as a testing ground for cutting-edge automotive technologies.
-Global fan engagement: Expanding digital platforms, fan experiences, and content to strengthen worldwide reach.
-Commercial growth: Attracting new sponsors and partnerships that align with McLaren’s performance-driven brand.
-Sustainable motorsport: Investing in green technologies and sustainable practices, in line with F1’s 2030 net-zero goals.
Bottom Line
McLaren’s rise to a £3 billion-plus valuation marks one of the most dramatic turnarounds in modern sport. From a team facing financial headwinds just a few years ago, McLaren is now a championship-winning giant with a revitalized commercial engine and the backing of powerful Gulf investors.
With Mumtalakat and CYVN Holdings driving its next chapter, McLaren is positioned not only to dominate on the track but also to cement its place as one of the most valuable and influential brands in global motorsport.
Sources: SportsPro, Sky News, Financial Times
