2 Gulf Investors Jointly Consolidate Full Ownership of McLaren Racing in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal

In a landmark move reshaping the motorsport industry, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings have completed the acquisition of full ownership of a British motor racing team, McLaren Racing, according to a statement from McLaren Group and multiple reports.

Bahrain’s Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings bought McLaren Racing completely. An insider stated the purchase was worth US$5 billion for the reigning Formula One world champions, i.e., titleholders of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship.

Deal Details and Valuation Surge

The transaction—a buyout of all remaining shares held by U.S.-based MSP Sports Capital, O’Connor Capital Solutions-managed funds, Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment funds, and Caspian Funds—values the reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions at over $4 billion, with some reports estimating the figure at $5 billion, making it the fifth biggest sports team/organization sale.

Earlier coverage placed the sale at slightly above £3 billion (around $3.5 billion), reflecting the significant jump in valuation since the 2020 investment round, when McLaren was valued at just £560 million during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ownership Breakdown & Strategic Implications

Mumtalakat will continue as the majority owner of McLaren Racing. CYVN Holdings—an Abu Dhabi investment vehicle that previously acquired McLaren Automotive and holds a non-controlling interest—retains a non-majority stake.

This streamlined ownership structure is expected to provide McLaren with enhanced strategic clarity and flexibility, allowing it to pursue ambitious growth and innovation across motorsport and beyond. McLaren executive chairman Paul Walsh emphasized that the new structure “strengthens our ability to future-proof the business and capture new growth opportunities.”

Strategic Reflections from Key Stakeholders

MSP Sports Capital’s involvement began in 2020 during a tumultuous phase for McLaren. Their minority stake helped guide the team to financial stability and significant on-track success. In acknowledging this, Walsh offered gratitude: “Our suite of minority investors came on board in 2020… we thank them for their tremendous support”.

Following the completion of this deal, MSP’s board representatives—CEO Jeff Moorad and Chairman Jahm Najafi—will step down. Ares Management noted that proceeds from the sale will be used to return capital to investors, reinforcing its ongoing role in the sports investment ecosystem.

McLaren’s Motorsport Momentum

McLaren has recently reestablished its dominance in global motorsport. The team clinched its first Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship since 1998 and is on course to win both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles this season, with Oscar Piastri topping the leaderboard and entering the Italian Grand Prix weekend as the bookies’ favorite for success.

Beyond F1, McLaren also fields teams in the U.S. IndyCar series and plans to enter the World Endurance Championship in 2027. As for Formula One, they are the second-oldest active team and the second-most successful F1 team after Ferrari, having won 201 races, 12 Drivers’ Championships, and nine Constructors’ Championships.

Bottom Line

This milestone acquisition by Gulf sovereign investors caps a remarkable turnaround for McLaren—one marked by shrewd financial backing, strategic restructuring, and a resurgence at the front of the racing grid. As governance centralizes under Mumtalakat and CYVN, the stage is set for McLaren to accelerate its ambitions both on and off the circuit.