Header: Courtesy of PUMA
The wait is officially over. Following the launch of the lifestyle range on 20 January, the world of high-end motorsport design has a new focal point. PUMA and McLaren Racing have kicked off a massive multi-year deal that puts the sports giant in charge of the team’s look across nearly every racing series. After McLaren’s massive 2025 season, where they took home both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles, this partnership marks a fresh visual era for the team.
Streetwear meets the paddock
Since the lifestyle collection hit shelves last week, fans have had their first look at how PUMA is handling the McLaren heritage. The design team has moved away from basic merchandise, instead looking at the long history of the team to create modern streetwear. They have used classic shapes and silhouettes, but updated them with modern cuts that work just as well in the city as they do at the circuit. It is a nod to the past that still looks like it belongs in 2026. This range is for the fans who want to show their support without wearing a full race suit to the shops.
The return of the iconic papaya
While the lifestyle gear is already out in the wild, the real deal arrived on 2nd of February. This is when the Replica Collection goes on sale, and it is where the technical design work really shows. Everything is built around that famous McLaren papaya orange. The gear is made to be an exact mirror of what the drivers and mechanics wear in the garage. PUMA has focused on making sure the kit performs under pressure, using materials that can handle the heat of a race weekend while keeping the colours sharp and visible from the grandstands.
A design that covers every series
This isn’t just a Formula 1 deal. PUMA’s design footprint is spreading across the entire McLaren family. You will see these designs on the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, the F1 Academy drivers, and the Sim Racing squad. Looking further ahead, the partnership will also cover the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar team starting in 2027. This gives the entire brand a unified look, ensuring that whether a car is racing in Indianapolis or Le Mans, the visual language remains the same.
Beyond the fabric
Design is more than just clothes; it’s how fans experience the brand. PUMA and McLaren are planning a series of events and limited drops to keep the momentum going. The first big moment for fans to see this partnership in action will be at the Australian Grand Prix. This approach moves the partnership beyond a simple logo swap and turns it into a full-scale cultural shift for the team, focusing on how racing style can influence everyday fashion.
This partnership marks a big step for McLaren as they look to build on their recent championship wins. By choosing PUMA, they are betting on a brand that delivers both high-speed performance and global street style. With the lifestyle gear already in hand and the official team kit arriving in just a few days, the 2026 season is shaping up to be the most stylish yet for the papaya team.
