McLaren announces technical partnership with Unilever

McLaren has announced a new, multi-year technical partnership with Unilever following the brand’s split with Williams.

The partnership will see McLaren and Unilever work on a number of areas across engineering, digital and talent projects starting in 2020, with branding for Unilever products set to appear on the team’s Formula 1 car.

Reports emerged earlier this week that Unilever had ended its agreement with Williams after six seasons, which was most evident on its car through Rexona sponsorship. Unilever was also the sponsor for Williams’s engineering academy.

Unilever’s arrival at McLaren marks the latest big-name partnership deal for McLaren under the stewardship of CEO Zak Brown, who has also secured deals with Coca-Cola, Dell and British American Tobacco in recent years.

“McLaren and Unilever are two organisations with a global reputation for innovating, inspiring and leading in the technology industry,” said Brown.

“For more than 50 years, McLaren has been an innovator in engineering and the driving force behind cutting-edge technological firsts and pioneering breakthroughs.

“This partnership allows us to share knowledge and expertise between two global organisations, developing in integral areas to both businesses. We are looking forward to starting this partnership in the 2020 season.”

Unilever chief engineer Dave Penrith said: “This is a very exciting partnership for both Unilever and McLaren. Together we will use our combined efforts to solve both current and future challenges with some of the best engineering minds in the world, and also develop the next level of talent within our companies.

“The application of McLaren technology and culture will be an important component as we make our business ever more agile, sustainable and responsive to customers and consumers.”