Airwallex upgrades its McLaren Mastercard partnership to become the team’s first AI finance partner

Type: Distribution, AI-powered financial operations and cross-border payments
Sport: Formula 1 / Motorsport
Announced: October 2026

• Airwallex and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have extended a partnership that began in 2024, with Airwallex becoming the team’s Official AI Finance Partner from January 2027. The expanded relationship will focus on applying AI-native financial technology to help McLaren manage its operations more efficiently across international markets.

• Airwallex will continue supporting McLaren’s global financial operations and its digital partner merchandise platform, which enables the team to collect payments through a range of global and local payment methods. The companies plan to develop faster, more efficient technology for financial activity on and off the track.
• The extension also expands Airwallex’s brand presence. Its logo will appear on the sleeve of the team’s kit, while branding remains on both Formula 1 cars in the Halo Rear Left position and on the drivers’ overalls.
• “Partnering closely with Airwallex demonstrates our long-term commitment to investing in faster, more efficient technology. Airwallex is our first Official AI Finance Partner and we’re confident in their ability to help us run our financial operations faster and more efficiently,” said Laura Bowden, Chief Financial Officer at McLaren Racing.
• Pranav Sood, Chief Financial Officer at Airwallex, said the deal builds on three seasons of collaboration and reflects the company’s focus on AI-powered financial infrastructure. He added: “As we become an Official AI Finance Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team from 2027, we’re proud to support their business growth and deepen our relationship.”

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