BREAKING: McLaren deal 'ENDS early' as rival F1 team swoops... re

McLaren Reportedly Ends Castore Deal Early as Haas Set to Step In

In a surprise development within Formula 1’s commercial landscape, McLaren have reportedly terminated their partnership with British sportswear brand Castore earlier than expected, opening the door for a new deal with global sports giant PUMA while Haas prepares to take Castore onboard for 2026.

The original agreement between McLaren and Castore was expected to run at least until the conclusion of the 2026 F1 season. However, according to a report from SportBusiness, both parties agreed to activate a mutual break clause that was initially designed to take effect in 2025 but has now been expedited. As a result, the partnership will officially end at the close of the 2025 season.

The Castore logo has been a familiar sight on McLaren team apparel, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri often seen wearing the kit during Grand Prix weekends. Castore currently supplies apparel to multiple teams on the Formula 1 grid, including Red Bull Racing and Alpine, and now appears poised to extend its influence by partnering with Haas beginning in 2026.

The report reveals that discussions between McLaren and Castore concluded with an amicable agreement to part ways, allowing McLaren to pursue a new direction in team merchandising. Sources close to the situation suggest that the Woking-based team will announce a new multi-year deal with PUMA, the German company already enjoying success as Ferrari’s official kit partner.

PUMA’s partnership with Ferrari has seen a surge in popularity, especially following the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to the Scuderia for 2025. Ferrari-branded merchandise, including the inaugural Hamilton “44” red cap, has sold out multiple times, creating a retail phenomenon. Should McLaren secure the partnership with PUMA, they could expect a similar commercial windfall. The appeal of their driver lineup, especially Norris and Piastri, continues to grow, and any branded merchandise associated with the duo would likely experience high demand.

Industry insiders believe McLaren is aiming to replicate the commercial success Ferrari has enjoyed off the track with their PUMA collaboration. The papaya team’s increasingly strong performances, combined with their dynamic young drivers, position them as a prime candidate for lucrative branding deals.

While McLaren has yet to issue an official comment on the matter, their silence has done little to quell the speculation. Haas, tipped to inherit Castore’s support, have also not released a statement, though it is expected that an official announcement could come later in the year.

This shift marks a notable realignment in Formula 1’s commercial partnerships, with brands increasingly seeking dynamic and competitive teams to associate with. For McLaren, moving to PUMA could not only bolster their global merchandise presence but also give fans new reason to engage with the team beyond the racetrack.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this potential partnership unfolds and whether McLaren can mirror Ferrari’s success in blending high-performance racing with high-demand fashion.