F1: Vodafone To Leave McLaren At End Of 2013

Formula 1

F1: Vodafone To Leave McLaren At End Of 2013

McLaren and title partner Vodafone are going their separate ways at the end of the year...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 14, 2013 Melbourne (AUS)

Vodafone and McLaren have enjoyed a longstanding partnership. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

McLaren confirmed Thursday that it is to part with company Vodafone at the end of the 2013 season – while adding that it will announce its new title sponsor in December, after the last race.

The news will inevitably encourage speculation that TelMex, or another Mexican entity, could be a possible replacement.

It’s worth remembering that the team is being strongly linked to Honda engines for 2015, by which time the team could potentially undertake a complete change of identity.

A team statement said: “Having met and exceeded all the highly ambitious targets that Vodafone had set for its title partnership with McLaren, the company has now decided to focus on business priorities away from Formula One sponsorship.”

Meanwhile, Vodafone Group Chief Commercial Officer Morten Lundal said: “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.”

Regarding the future, the team added: “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 Dec. 2, 2013, following the last Grand Prix of the season.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.