Mastercard makes its China debut with McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team at the Chinese Grand Prix
March 20, 2025 | Hong Kong
From March 21-23, the highly anticipated Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix returns to Shanghai. Appearing on the track in Mainland China for the first time will be the iconic red and yellow Mastercard circles on the McLaren Formula 1 Team race cars driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The newly formed partnership marks the coming together of two preeminent brands known for their focus on innovation and setting the standard in offering incredible experiences for racing fans.
As an Official Primary Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, Mastercard is seamlessly integrating its brand into the at-track experience, transforming the McLaren Lounge at the Shanghai International Circuit into the McLaren Priceless Lounge. Beyond the track, Mastercard is inviting McLaren Racing fans in Hong Kong to join the action on social media. Fans who follow Mastercard Hong Kong and Macau’s Instagram page and participate in the social media challenge will have an opportunity to win McLaren Formula 1 Team merchandise.
“We are always exploring new ways to connect with our customers and cardholders – and that starts with bringing them closer to their passions. Motor racing has become one of the most thrilling and exhilarating passions, and we’ve seen that firsthand since the start of our partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team. We’re excited to create unforgettable moments for racing fans,” said Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mastercard.
Mastercard offers cardholders exclusive access to experiences via priceless.com, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of racing alongside their other passion areas like music, entertainment and culinary to deliver deeper, more immersive experiences. In Shanghai, cardholders can indulge in a luxe evening of food and wine at the prestigious House of Roosevelt, a Julu Gin masterclass at one of Shanghai's finest bars, or a privately guided tour of Fotografiska Shanghai.
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 20 Formula 1 world championships, 185 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across six racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and Nolan Siegel, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström, and Formula 1 Academy with ART Grand Prix and Driver Development programme member Bianca Bustamante. The team also competes in the Formula 1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
