McLaren has defended its partnership with British American Tobacco, with chief Zak Brown asserting that the company is part of a “transforming” industry.
British American Tobacco ran the BAR team that competed from 1999 through 2005, before ending its involvement ahead of the ban on tobacco advertising in Formula 1.
But earlier this week McLaren confirmed it had formed a new partnership with BAT in order to promote the company’s “portfolio of potentially reduced risk products.”
The branding from BAT’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’ scheme – ostensibly a project similar to that of long-term Ferrari partner Philip Morris’ ‘Mission Winnow’ strategy – features on McLaren’s MCL34 and takes a prominent spot on the overalls of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr.
It has led to suggestions that tobacco companies are trying to subvert the regulations.
Brown, though, dismissed such notions.
“BAT is an outstanding cooperation that has a long history in motorsports,” said Brown.
“Our partnership is one that is technically based with their newer generation products so we don’t have any relationship with the tobacco side of the business.
“I think their industry is one that is transforming, it’s technology driven and there are areas we can help them make the transformation journey around technology and they are a great company to be working with.
“Philip Morris have been with Ferrari for forever and BAT has a great history in racing so they understand the power of it and as they move forward on their journey they field that McLaren is a partner they could help.
“The world evolves and changes daily, probably at a faster pace than ever.
“Their company has changed and has moved on and is moving into new areas and are looking to innovate.
“I think what took place 10, 15 or 20 years ago, the world is a different place. So I think their landscape has changed and F1 is a good platform for them.”
Only Ferrari (with Philip Morris) and McLaren have commercial agreements with tobacco firms.
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