McLaren: The British hand everything to Arabs

The most iconic and historic British F1 team based in Woking, McLaren, has officially changed ownership in the past few hours. The British outfit, currently dominating the 2025 World Championship with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has decided to chart a new course by going back to its roots. What initially appeared to be just a market rumor reported by Bloomberg was later confirmed by CEO Zak Brown and the team itself through an official statement. Mumtalakat is the new McLaren owner

After months of negotiations, the Woking-based team has finalized the full sale of its shares. It is now 100% controlled by Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, and CYVN Holdings, an investment group based in the United Arab Emirates, both of which were already shareholders. The deal, valued at over $4.1 billion, marks a new chapter for one of motorsport’s most legendary teams. Now set to strengthen its ambitions with the backing of two global financial giants.

Mumtakalat Holding buys McLaren for 4.1 billions $

Mumtalakat Holding Company is Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, established in 2006 and fully owned by the state. It manages assets worth over $17 billion and aims to diversify the country’s economy by investing in key sectors such as automotive, technology, finance, and tourism. Among its most significant holdings are Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and the National Bank of Bahrain, as well as stakes in various international companies. The acquisition of 100% of McLaren, alongside CYVN Holdings, fits into this strategy. Not just a financial move, but also an investment in image and influence, further strengthening Bahrain’s ties to one of the most iconic brands in global motorsport.

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McLaren’s Outlook for the Future

2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for McLaren. The Woking-based team, led by a brilliant Oscar Piastri, is dominating both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, restoring the team to the spotlight it had long been missing in Formula 1. But behind the on-track success lies a monumental shift off the circuit.With full ownership now in the hands of Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, and CYVN Holdings, a UAE-based giant in tech and automotive investments, McLaren now enjoys the backing of immense financial power.

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This new economic strength could prove crucial in facing the increasingly demanding challenges of modern F1, where technical development and innovation require multi-billion-dollar investments. With two Middle Eastern financial giants behind it, McLaren appears well positioned to solidify its place at the top of the sport, avoiding the cyclical highs and lows that have plagued its recent past.

Yet a question remains that divides fans and enthusiasts alike: will this turning point truly mark the beginning of a new era of success, or does the shift to Arab ownership risk diluting the historic identity of the British team? Time will tell whether McLaren can stay true to its DNA or, despite winning, evolve into something different from what it has always meant to millions of fans.