NTT will become an official partner of McLaren’s Formula 1 team in 2027, beginning a multi-year partnership focused on artificial intelligence and security governance. The agreement follows the conclusion this year of NTT’s sponsorship of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team.
McLaren said AI security governance would be central to the partnership, with the aim of helping manage security risks as the technology develops. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said NTT’s expertise would support the team in adopting new technologies responsibly and securely.
The companies have worked together in motorsport before. Their relationship dates to 2016, when NTT Communications, now NTT Docomo, became a technology partner of McLaren-Honda in Formula 1. NTT Data later partnered with McLaren in IndyCar from 2023, and its branding appeared on McLaren’s F1 cars toward the end of that year.
NTT will continue as title sponsor of IndyCar while expanding its presence in Formula 1. NTT president and CEO Akira Shimada said the new agreement builds on the company’s experience in motorsport and is intended to support its global business.
Sources: The Race.