Vodafone Drops McLaren F1 Sponsorship, New Title Partner to be Announced

Vodafone and McLaren have revealed today that their seven-year title partnership will be terminated at the end of the 2013 season. 

Vodafone have been sponsors of the team since 2007 and in the past six years, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has scored 34 Grand Prix victories, won the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship and last season won seven races.

But the British telecommunications giant has now decided to focus on business priorities away from Formula 1 sponsorship.

Vodafone Group Chief Commercial Officer Morten Lundal commented on their departure from F1: “Vodafone and McLaren set ourselves highly ambitious goals in 2007. Over the past six years, we’ve set new standards in sports marketing together, and in doing so have achieved all of those objectives. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout the 2013 season.” 

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “We’re immensely proud that, having been set a number of ambitious challenges by Vodafone back in 2007, together we’ve met or exceeded each and every one. Our focus is on continuing to drive results for all our partners throughout the 2013 season and we look forward to making a major title partnership announcement towards the end of the year.”

McLaren also suggested they had no new title partners lined up as an announcement is forthcoming at the end of the season.

In a statement the Woking based team said: “While the current title partnership is in place with Vodafone, McLaren will not disclose its new title partnership, but will make an exciting announcement on 2nd December 2013, following the last Grand Prix of the season.”

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