McLaren secures Coca-Cola sponsorship deal

McLaren has pulled off a Coca-Cola partnership deal for three of the remaining four round in the 2018 Formula 1 world championship starting this weekend at the United States Grand Prix.

The drinks company’s iconic logo plus two sub-brands, Dasani Sparkling and SmartWater, will appear on McLaren’s car livery and drivers’ clothing at the USA, Brazilian and Abu Dhabi rounds, as announced in a team statement.

McLaren chief Zak Brown, who has been seeking fresh sponsorship deals since joining the team, says the arrangement was trigger by the changes within F1 and the Woking-based team and is thrilled to secure the partnership.

“Coca-Cola has a rich history of sponsorship and a record of innovative activations and we are honoured the company has chosen to partner with McLaren to explore opportunities in Formula 1,” Brown said. “Formula 1 as a sport is changing, as are we as a team, and we’re looking forward to introducing Coca-Cola to the potential that our team and fantastic, global sport represents.”

Ricardo Fort, Vice President of Sports Partnerships at Coca-Cola, echoed Brown’s comments as the iconic brand steps back into the F1 paddock.

“We are looking forward to this activation with McLaren, both our companies are innovators, and we are both looking to further connect with youth,” Fort said. “This partnership will guide us to what our customers, markets and consumers are craving from this high octane passion.”

Coca-Cola’s last direct involvement with an F1 team was with Lotus in 2012 when the former Enstone-based squad ran its energy drink Burn logo on the team livery and driver race suits.