McLaren announces 'multi-year’ F1 reunion with Gulf Oil

McLaren will bring the iconic Gulf Oil brand back to Formula 1 as part of a new “multi-year” sponsorship deal.

The deal with Gulf marks a renewal of a partnership that goes back to the origins of McLaren, after the company sponsored Bruce McLaren’s efforts in F1 and the Can-Am sports car championship in America.

As part of the strategic partnership, Gulf branding will appear on the engine covers and wing mirrors of the McLaren MCL35 from this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone and continue to feature for the rest of the 2020 season.

The logo will be represented by McLaren F1 personnel throughout the campaign, including via race drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, as well as the McLaren pit crew.

McLaren’s previous sponsorship agreement with oil and fuel supplier Petrobras was terminated at the end of last year, and the Woking squad has acted swiftly to secure a replacement.

“We’re delighted to welcome Gulf back to McLaren and reunite two iconic brands back together in a new and exciting partnership,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said.

“Gulf is part of McLaren’s history and are well-known for their innovation and technical excellence in the industry, with which aligns with McLaren perfectly. We are looking forward to starting our partnership together this season.”

The deal will also cover McLaren’s luxury supercar company McLaren Automotive, with Gulf becoming the preferred lubricant supplier for all McLaren cars from 2021.

Mike Jones, CEO of Gulf Oil, added: “This is a very exciting partnership that brings the Gulf brand back into elite motor racing. The history books are full of remarkable tales that tell of what Gulf and McLaren have achieved in the past. Now we are together once more to write the next chapter of this unique partnership.

“We’re proud to be working alongside a brand that shares our future aspirations and our ambition for innovation both on the road and on the track. We look forward to working together and developing both Gulf and McLaren’s class-leading capabilities further.”