McLaren have announced a new sponsor in the form of Lucozade – the UK’s leading sports and energy drink – for the Singapore GP and beyond, though the length of the deal hasn’t been confirmed.
The MP4-26 will feature Lucozade logos as well as the drivers’ overalls. The GlaxoSmithKline owned brand, which recently announced a strategic partnership with the McLaren Group, will also supply a range of sports nutrition products to aid the teams preparation and recovery.
“I think this partnership with Lucozade will be fantastic for the team,” said Lewis Hamilton. “Everyone within our team needs to be fresh and sharp in order to operate at their peak: when you’re working in busy, hot environments and you’re pushing yourself to the limit, it’s vital that you keep yourself healthy and hydrated.
“Hydration in sport is important – and that’s why an isotonic drink such as Lucozade is a natural fit for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.”
Jenson Button added: “As a grand prix driver and an athlete, I completely understand the need to keep my body refreshed and hydrated before, during and after exercise.
“If you’re pushing yourself to the limit, then your body needs to refuel – and Lucozade products are a great way to achieve that.
“Lucozade will really give the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team the reassurance to tackle the stress and physical strain of races in some of the world’s hottest countries with renewed effort, confidence and dedication.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Lucozade to help them develop their range of fitness and isotonic drinks to cope with the extreme demands of Formula 1.”
Lucozade’s drinks and products will be available to the whole team and Lucozade and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are also working together to formulate a new bespoke product to meet the specific requirements of Formula 1.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team doctor Aki Hintsa said: “People often think of the unique demands placed on the human body during a grand prix, but few consider the overall human performance that’s needed to maintain the strength and spirit of a team of almost 100 individuals as they travel across the world for nine months of the year.
“Whether it’s spending long days working outdoors in the cold temperatures of the European winter, or spending race weekends in hot and humid countries like Malaysia, Singapore and India, effective physical and mental co-ordination through hydration is vital.
“Accordingly, our performance partnership with Lucozade will see the team provided with its leading and research-led range of sport drinks for different environmental and physiological requirements, which contain both electrolytes and carbohydrates.”
This latest partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes reinforces Lucozade’s unrivalled commitment to fuelling British sporting performance, which includes long-standing associations and partnerships within top-flight football (Premier League, FA, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC), running (25 events including the Virgin London Marathon), and Olympic sport (UKA, British Boxing, British Basketball, Mo Farah, Phillips Idowu, Louis Smith).
“As an innovative and forward-thinking performance brand, we’re delighted to be working with the world’s leading Formula 1 team,” adds Suzy Smith marketing director at Lucozade.
“We take great pride in working with those performing at the highest level and will establish a close working relationship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes so that we can continue to develop products that help maximise sporting performance at all levels. We look forward to helping enhance performance in the future.”
