Middle East investors take complete control of McLaren in landmark $5bn deal

McLaren Racing has come under full ownership of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth and investment funds, reflecting the growing influence of Gulf investors in Formula One. Existing shareholders Bahrain’s Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings have completed the acquisition of the remaining 30% stake previously held by a U.S. investor consortium. The deal lifts McLaren Racing’s valuation to around $5 billion, the highest yet for a Formula One team.

The deal solidifies Mumtalakat as the majority shareholder, while CYVN Holdings holds the remaining non-controlling interest. CYVN, already linked to the McLaren ecosystem through its acquisition of McLaren Automotive, has now consolidated the racing operations under Gulf-based governance. This acquisition brings full ownership to entities that are not only financially strong but also strategically aligned with the growing global footprint of the motorsport sector. The move also creates potential synergies across McLaren’s various arms, enabling closer integration between racing technology, road car development, and new commercial opportunities in emerging markets.

McLaren Racing’s trajectory in recent years highlights why investors have responded so decisively. After facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, McLaren’s partial stake sale in 2020 was initially valued at just £560 million. However, since then, the racing team has reestablished itself as a top-tier competitor, winning the Formula One Constructors’ Championship in 2024 with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge, whilst remaining a contender for both titles in the 2025 season. This remarkable turnaround has increased McLaren’s attractiveness to investors and boosted its value.

With a streamlined ownership structure now in place, McLaren is well-positioned to take advantage of future growth opportunities. The simplified boardroom dynamic eliminates layers of complexity that previously hindered strategic alignment, allowing leadership to advance with clarity and ambition. The team’s activities extend beyond Formula One, including participation in IndyCar and plans to enter the World Endurance Championship by 2027, further enhancing its global reach.

This consolidation reflects a broader trend: the Gulf region’s increasing influence in global sports through strategic investment. McLaren’s on-track resurgence, combined with this financial milestone, sets a new benchmark in motorsport valuation, surpassing even Ferrari’s recent estimates. With unprecedented resources and unified direction, McLaren appears poised not only to remain competitive in Formula One but also to expand its influence across the broader motorsport landscape.