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Jan.22 (GMM) Microsoft is set to become a major sponsor of Mercedes from 2026, underlining Formula 1’s growing appeal to the world’s biggest technology companies.
According to Sky News, the $3.4 trillion computing giant will unveil a partnership with the Brackley-based team when Mercedes reveals its 2026 car livery and design later this week. One sponsorship expert estimates the deal could be worth around $60m per year, potentially making it one of the largest single team sponsorships in Formula 1.
The move represents a notable shift for Microsoft, which has been associated in recent seasons with Alpine through technology and innovation partnerships. Alpine, however, is no longer a Renault works outfit and has transitioned to Mercedes customer power, shaking down its 2026 car at Silverstone this week.
For Mercedes, the Microsoft agreement adds further commercial muscle at a time when the team is preparing for the 2026 regulation reset. The deal also strengthens Mercedes’ links with the US tech sector, coming shortly after team boss Toto Wolff sold a 15 percent stake in the outfit to American billionaire George Kurtz, the CEO of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
The stake sale reportedly valued the Mercedes team at more than 4.6 billion pounds – a record for Formula 1 – despite the outfit having gone without a constructors’ title since 2021.
