Mastercard and the McLaren Formula 1 Team bring fans closer to the action as highly anticipated European leg kicks off

May 16, 2025 | Belgium, Waterloo

As the first of nine European races on the Formula 1 calendar commences this week, Mastercard and the McLaren Formula 1 Team are gearing up to bring unparalleled excitement to fans across the continent. 

Mastercard cardholders attending the highly anticipated Formula 1 races across Europe, which take place in Italy, Monaco, Spain, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, Hungary and the Netherlands, can look forward to exclusive Mastercard activations, unique experiences, and special offers that bring them closer to the sport they love. Visit priceless.com to discover upcoming experiences. 

“Europe is where Formula 1 was born – and it remains at the heart of the sport, with some of the most iconic races and passionate fans in the world.” said Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mastercard. “As the season unfolds across legendary circuits from Monaco to Monza, Mastercard is proud to bring fans closer to the thrill of racing through exclusive access and unforgettable Priceless Experiences so they can feel part of the McLaren Racing team – no matter where they are.” 

"We are incredibly excited to see the European leg kick off later this week at Imola. We know that 2025 is the year of experiences, with a recent Mastercard survey indicating that two thirds of European consumers are prioritizing ticking off their bucket list this year. Together with McLaren Racing, we’re looking forward to delivering unforgettable moments that make this possible for racing fans across the region and worldwide,” says Beatrice Cornacchia, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard.  

Mastercard’s survey of over 15,000 consumers across Europe also identified sporting events to be high on the priority list for 2025, with over half (64%) set to increase their spending on attending live sporting experiences, compared to 2024. 

For the duration of the partnership with the McLaren F1 Team, Mastercard will offers cardholder’s exclusive access to unforgettable experiences through priceless.com, combining motor racing with global, shared passions across sport, music, entertainment and culinary. Across Europe, cardholders can enjoy a picturesque journey of England’s leading wine producer, explore the iconic Milan Cathedral after-hours, cruise the scenic region of Achterhoek in a vintage amphicar and more.  

For more information on the partnership, visit Mastercard joins forces with McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team.  

Media Contacts

Alexia Morris, Mastercard

alexia.morris@mastercard.com

Survey Methodology  

Mastercard conducted a survey with its research partner Dynata, to understand the shift in consumer preferences towards experiences. The fieldwork took place in February 2025.   
The survey sampled over 15,000 respondents across 20 countries, collecting data from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Sweden and Switzerland. 
  

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 21 Formula 1 world championships, 194 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.   

McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme member Ella Lloyd. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow with Lucas Blakeley, Wilson Hughes and Alfie Butcher. 

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 (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable 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.

www.mastercard.com