McLaren Racing and Mastercard have joined forces, setting the stage for an exciting collaboration ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. This partnership brings together two powerhouses in their respective fields, aiming to create unique experiences for fans and cardholders alike. Uniting Racing and Innovation with Mastercard
Partnership Launched with a Roundtable Session
McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team and Mastercard officially kicked off their partnership on Thursday. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, and Raja Rajamannar, the chief marketing and communications officer of Mastercard, hosted several media outlets at the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas. This event marked the beginning of a journey that will see Mastercard's red and yellow circles adorn the vehicles driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the weekend's races.The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. As Brown mentioned, partnering with Mastercard is another way to enhance McLaren's relationships with fans. Mastercard's global brand, innovation, and technology, along with its mastery of consumer reach, make it an ideal partner for McLaren. This collaboration ticks all the boxes for both parties, with the hope of achieving great success on and off the track.Rajamannar emphasized that Mastercard was drawn to Formula 1 due to its growth in recent years and McLaren's own brand and success. "This company and this brand has got an incredible storied history … and more recently it has been seen as the most loved brand based on our research among all the teams," he said. "When we get into partnerships, we want to make sure that it appeals to everybody, not just a particular stereotype."Growth and Expectations
When McLaren Racing began its journey of growth in 2017, it had no major brand partnerships. However, the growth has exceeded expectations, and today, the team has achieved remarkable success. Brown pointed out that winning the world championship in partnerships of their racing car is a significant milestone, and they are now looking forward to winning the actual world championship on the racetrack.This growth is not only evident in the team's on-track achievements but also in its partnerships. Mastercard's 135 cardholders were treated to special grandstand tickets and a Cirque du Soleil experience, paying homage to Piastri's fastest lap mark from last year. This shows the commitment of both parties to create memorable experiences for their stakeholders.Unique Access for Cardholders
Over the course of their partnership, Mastercard will continue to offer cardholders unique access through priceless.com. By combining racing with other passion areas, they aim to provide deeper and richer experiences for cardholders. Rajamannar added that they can't wait to share the fan-focused experiences planned for 2025.The Las Vegas Strip transformed into a Formula 1 track for the second straight year, adding to the excitement of the event. The race is set for early Sunday morning for those on the East Coast at 1 a.m. and for those on the West Coast starting at 10 p.m. PT. This provides a global audience with the opportunity to witness the thrilling action of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.In conclusion, the partnership between McLaren Racing and Mastercard is set to make a significant impact in the world of racing and beyond. With their combined strengths and shared vision, they are poised to create unforgettable experiences and achieve great success in the years to come.
