Audio Video News

Bowers & Wilkins is stepping up its decade-long partnership with McLaren, becoming the official audio partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team. This expanded collaboration, initially established in 2015, previously focused solely on audio systems within McLaren's high-performance automotive division. According to Bowers & Wilkins, the companies are developing new collaborative products inspired by McLaren’s recent 2024 Constructors’ Championship win. This includes expanding the co-branded line that previously featured the Px8 McLaren Edition headphones and Zeppelin McLaren Edition wireless speaker.

Bowers & Wilkins says that its engineering team will continue working closely with McLaren to refine audio systems for the automaker’s vehicles, notably the recently announced McLaren W1 supercar. The company highlights how proximity between its own facility and McLaren’s Technology Centre—both based in Surrey, England—facilitates technical collaboration.

Under the new agreement, Bowers & Wilkins products will reportedly be integrated into the Formula 1 team's travel and pre-race preparations. The brands also plan joint marketing and storytelling efforts, emphasizing their shared focus on performance, innovation, and technology.

I’ve visited McLaren’s factory. Yes, it’s as impressive as you’d imagine.

Henrik Wilhelms of McLaren Automotive emphasized the value premium audio brings to the driving experience, while Tom Fine from Bowers & Wilkins celebrated the longstanding partnership and expressed excitement about developing new products aimed at Formula 1 fans worldwide.

The partnership follows McLaren Racing’s recent victory in the 2024 Constructors' Championship and marks a new strategic direction aimed at leveraging Formula 1’s global appeal.