In a long-awaited move, McLaren is officially parting ways with Castore, its embattled apparel supplier since 2021. Starting in 2026, Puma will take the reins as the team’s official kit and lifestyle partner. For McLaren, this isn’t just a supplier switch, it’s a clear signal of intent.
A Branding Pit Stop Long Overdue
Let’s be honest: the Castore partnership never really found its rhythm. From day one, fans and insiders alike flagged major concerns: kits that clung uncomfortably in heat, a lack of breathability, and odd fabric finishes that were more sweat-trap than performance wear.
At track level, the gear was criticized for looking more like shrink-wrapped plastic than sportswear. Social media lit up race after race with frustrated posts, and our own analysis of fan sentiment revealed that many stopped buying new merch entirely due to quality concerns. There was a clear perception: Castore’s kit didn’t meet the standards of a team that’s racing at the front.
It became a distraction. When fans are talking about how uncomfortable your polos look instead of how fast your car is, it’s a problem.
Enter Puma: Experience, Edge, and Elevation
Puma, on the other hand, brings a resume that’s hard to ignore. With past and present partnerships across Ferrari, Mercedes, and Formula E, they know the demands of the paddock, and how to deliver on both performance and streetwear appeal.
This isn’t just about driver overalls and pit crew kits. The new deal covers racewear, team apparel, and lifestyle collections, unlocking serious merchandising potential. With F1 fandom expanding globally and younger fans especially treating team kits as fashion statements, this is the right partner for the next era.
In our view, Puma signals a step up in quality, design, and brand coherence. It’s functional enough for high-intensity environments but stylish enough for fans to wear beyond race day. That duality is exactly what McLaren needed.
Strategic Alignment, On and Off Track
The timing of this announcement is no accident. McLaren is in the midst of a competitive renaissance. Oscar Piastri is leading the championship, Lando Norris is locking in podiums, and the car is delivering consistent performance. This rebrand reflects a team that knows it’s on the rise, and wants every aspect of its identity to match that trajectory.
Commercially, this is a smart move too. Castore may have been ambitious, but the execution wasn’t there. Puma’s global retail footprint and cultural cachet give McLaren stronger visibility in both motorsport and mainstream markets. It’s a significant upgrade in brand alignment and retail opportunity.
And perhaps most importantly, it allows McLaren to re-engage with fans who felt alienated by the previous kits. Expect more functional, stylish, and breathable gear to finally hit the shelves, and make it to race-day Instagram posts without a flood of sweat jokes.
F1natics Take: A Fit That Finally Fits
In F1, details matter: on the car, in the garage, and in the merchandise tent. By replacing Castore with Puma, McLaren isn’t just fixing a flaw, they’re sharpening their image, reinforcing their intent, and connecting more deeply with fans.
It’s not just about new clothes. It’s about looking like a team that belongs at the front of the grid. And with this move, McLaren finally does.