McLaren Racing, Freshworks partner to streamline IT for 2025
McLaren Racing has entered into a multi-year partnership with Freshworks, naming the enterprise software provider as an official partner and sponsor of its Formula 1 team.
The partnership will see McLaren integrate Freshservice, Freshworks' AI-powered IT service management solution, into the team's global IT operations during the 2025 race season. According to the companies, Freshservice is intended to boost the efficiency and productivity of McLaren's IT team as they support the racing squad throughout the year.
Supporting IT operations
With the adoption of Freshworks' platform, McLaren aims to manage service requests efficiently regardless of where the team operates worldwide. The solution is designed to eliminate complexity and drive operational efficiencies by enabling swift and seamless resolution of IT issues, especially as the Formula 1 calendar requires frequent travel across continents.
Both companies state that the implementation of Freshservice will support McLaren's goal to reduce technical issues so the team can remain focused on performance. By simplifying IT processes and accelerating issue resolution, McLaren expects to minimise disruptions and keep its competitive edge intact during the season.
The Freshworks branding is set to appear on McLaren's Formula 1 race cars and team kit for the remainder of 2025, starting at the Belgian Grand Prix. This move adds McLaren to a list of international sports organisations using Freshworks' solutions, which includes several Premier League football clubs, as well as teams in the NBA and NFL.
Executive comments
"Boosting our efficiencies off the track is a key factor in improving our performance on it. With industry-leading partners such as Freshworks, we're able to do just that, and I'm delighted to welcome them to the team," Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said.
This statement was echoed by Freshworks leadership, highlighting the intended role of Freshservice in McLaren's IT environment.
"We partner with McLaren Racing to optimize their IT operations, enhancing their critical support for winning performance. Our enterprise-grade solutions are designed for ease of implementation, use, and configuration, accelerating McLaren IT's capabilities with AI. We're proud to deliver intuitive software that directly supports their mission to eliminate complexity on and off the track," Dennis Woodside, CEO, Freshworks, said.
McLaren Racing's heritage and commitments
McLaren Racing, founded in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, has a longstanding history in world motorsport. Since entering its first Formula 1 race in 1966, the team has secured 21 Formula 1 world championships, 198 Grand Prix victories, three wins at the Indianapolis 500, and victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours in its debut attempt. McLaren currently competes across five racing series, including the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as drivers, as well as entries in INDYCAR, Formula E, F1 Academy and F1 Sim Racing events.
The team has also emphasised its focus on sustainability and diversity. McLaren is a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment and is targeting net zero emissions by 2040, alongside efforts to foster an inclusive motorsport culture.
About Freshworks
Freshworks, whose software is used by more than 73,000 companies including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, focuses on the development of AI-enabled solutions for both customer and employee experience. The company states that its software is designed to be both powerful and easy to use, with an emphasis on reducing friction in IT and service processes.
Through the new partnership, Freshworks aims to support McLaren's IT operations as the team prepares for a demanding race calendar, with the goal of maintaining optimum efficiency and performance throughout the season.
