WOKING, United Kingdom – McLaren and Gulf Oil International Ltd have announced a multi-year strategic partnership which will see Gulf team up with McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Racing team.
Gulf’s link with McLaren started in 1968 and continued until the end of the 1973 season, with Gulf and McLaren enjoying success in both Formula One and the Can-Am series, in which the partnership won more than 40 races. The partnership was then renewed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1990s, with the famous McLaren F1 GTR running in Gulf colors throughout the decade.
A globally recognized and trusted brand, Gulf’s instantly recognizable orange disc is now synonymous around the world with high quality products, innovation and technical excellence, aligning directly with key McLaren attributes.
From 2021, Gulf will become the preferred lubricant supplier to McLaren Automotive, with all cars to be filled with Gulf Oil and fuel optimized for high performance engines.
Gulf branding will also be displayed at McLaren Automotive’s PURE customer events that take place around the world, at retailers and on team kit.
In addition, a small and exclusive number of customers will be given the option to have their McLaren supercar hand-painted by McLaren Special Operations, the firm’s bespoke division, in Gulf liveries and colors which echo the famous F1 GTR Le Mans car that raced in the 1990s.
“We’re delighted to welcome Gulf back to McLaren and reunite two iconic brands back together in a new and exciting partnership,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. “Gulf is part of McLaren’s history and are well-known for their innovation and technical excellence in the industry, with which aligns with McLaren perfectly. We are looking forward to starting our partnership together this season.”
To launch the partnership, the Gulf brand will be integrated into the McLaren Formula One team beginning with the British Grand Prix on July 31-Aug. 2. The Gulf logo will be worn by McLaren F-1 personnel throughout the season, including by drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. and the McLaren pit crew. Gulf branding will also appear on the engine covers and wing mirrors of the McLaren MCL35 race cars.
“This is a very exciting partnership that brings the Gulf brand back into elite motor racing,” said Gulf Oil CEO Mike Jones. “The history books are full of remarkable tales that tell of what Gulf and McLaren have achieved in the past. Now we are together once more to write the next chapter of this unique partnership.
“We’re proud to be working alongside a brand that shares our future aspirations and our ambition for innovation both on the road and on the track. We look forward to working together and developing both Gulf and McLaren’s class-leading capabilities further.”