Cisco’s 2025 US Grand Prix Customer Hosting Program

As a Principal Partner of McLaren Racing, Cisco provides industry-leading solutions, innovation and expertise to enhance McLaren’s technological infrastructure on race day and at the team’s headquarters, while also connecting with fans worldwide.
Leveraging that partnership, Cisco created an exclusive VIP customer event at the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The event was designed to provide guests with unexpected surprises at every turn while ensuring all logistics were seamless – a considerable effort, given that 430,000 people attend the US Grand Prix.

Cisco engaged five internal executives to host nine customers, offering an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Throughout the weekend, engaging conversations led by Cisco and McLaren leadership illustrated how Cisco technology is utilized in McLaren’s race operations – both on the track and back at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England – showcasing the vital role the partnership plays in pushing the boundaries of performance.

The McLaren suite in the Formula 1 Paddock Club, an exclusive hospitality venue that offers premier views of the race above the McLaren Garage with sightlines of the start/finish line, served as a venue for the guests throughout the weekend. The experience at the track featured a thrilling high-speed lap around the Circuit of the Americas in a Cisco-branded McLaren, driven by Formula 1 legend Mika Hakkinen. Additionally, there was a guided tour of the McLaren team garage, offering insights into the technology and innovations that Cisco's partnership brings to McLaren, helping them become one of the most technologically advanced teams in the sport.

Outside of racing, the weekend was full of world-class dining and entertainment. Guests indulged in culinary experiences at popular Austin restaurants and attended private, live performances by international superstar Lionel Richie and singer, songwriter Margo Price.

Overall, the experience successfully strengthened customer relationships. One attendee summarized the experience as follows: “Great experience, amazing venue, presentation was on point and very informative. Staff were exceptionally great."