Cisco & McLaren extend partnership across racing & AI
Tue, 7th Jul 2026 (Yesterday)
Cisco and McLaren Racing have extended their partnership.
The agreement covers the McLaren Formula 1 Team and the NEOM McLaren Electric Racing Team.
The renewal keeps Cisco as an official partner across Formula 1 and electric racing. The companies will continue working on digital infrastructure, connectivity and collaboration tools used in race operations and team activities.
Partnership focus
McLaren has used Cisco technology for networking, wireless systems and hybrid-work tools that support staff at the track and at its technology centre. The partnership also includes cybersecurity and observability software designed to monitor systems and manage performance data.
Both groups framed the extension within broader investment in artificial intelligence across sport and business. AI is expected to be a focus of the next phase of the relationship as teams seek gains in decision-making, operations and fan engagement.
Race operations
Formula 1 teams depend on rapid data flows between factory-based engineers and race crews during a grand prix weekend. That has made communications systems, secure networks and data analysis tools an increasingly important part of the sport's competitive set-up.
For McLaren, the relationship with Cisco supports work beyond the Formula 1 garage. The electric racing programme is also part of the arrangement, giving Cisco a role across a broader section of McLaren's motorsport activities.
The tie-up reflects a wider pattern in elite sport, where teams are pursuing longer-term deals with technology suppliers rather than conventional sponsorships focused mainly on branding. In Formula 1, that trend has grown as teams handle larger volumes of operational and commercial data.
AI strategy
"Together, Cisco and McLaren are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in Formula 1 and motorsport by combining our technologies to help the team connect, communicate and adapt in real time. As AI transforms every industry, our partnership is a prime example of how secure networking and digital resilience can drive performance on and off the track," said Susan Moran, President, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China, Cisco.
The partnership also has a commercial dimension for Cisco, which uses high-profile sports relationships to showcase its networking, security and software products to customers and partners. McLaren, one of Formula 1's best-known brands, offers a global platform as technology groups compete for visibility in AI-related markets.
"We are delighted to extend and evolve our partnership with Cisco. Their technology has become integral to how we work across the team, from the factory to the track. As we explore the opportunities AI presents, Cisco will continue to be a key collaborator in helping us stay connected, secure and competitive," said Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing.
Broader trend
The announcement adds to a growing list of technology alliances in Formula 1, where teams are deepening relationships with suppliers in cloud computing, data analysis, communications and cybersecurity. These arrangements have become more prominent as the sport expands its audience and teams seek operational advantages through software and connected systems.
Including McLaren's electric racing team in the extension underlines how the group is applying the partnership across different series rather than limiting it to Formula 1 alone.