McLaren confirms F1 partnership with Petrobras

The McLaren Formula 1 team has confirmed the signing of a new, long-term technology partnership with Brazilian oil giant Petrobras ahead of the 2018 season.

McLaren linked up with BP for its fuel and lubricants in 2017 after seeing its 21-year long partnership with ExxonMobil come to an end, but was reported in the Brazilian press to have struck a deal with Petrobras earlier this week.

According to a statement from McLaren, the deal includes a "technology partnership to develop high-performance fuel and lubricants, and the partnership may be extended to other strategic areas, such as the sharing of technologies between the parties. The Petrobras brand will be displayed on the team’s cars, uniforms and physical facilities."

"Brazil’s passion for Formula 1 is legendary and the country has produced some of the most iconic names in Formula 1 history," McLaren executive director Zak Brown said.

"We are delighted to deepen our relationship with Brazilian F1 fans through our partnership with Petrobras, a flagship brand for the nation. Petrobras is an ambitious organisation and we look forward to McLaren being an accelerator and enhancer in their brand-building efforts."

"“Partnerships are strategic for Petrobras. The technologies developed for Formula 1 will be transferred to the products we offer our customers, and being at the forefront of fuel and lubricant development is of value to our company, its shareholders and customers,” added Petrobras’ CEO, Pedro Parente.

Petrobras had enjoyed a long-running partnership with Williams, who fielded Brazilian driver Felipe Massa between 2014 and 2017, and also acted as the title sponsor for the Brazilian Grand Prix between 2009 and 2015.