McLaren Racing has announced the end of its agreement with Petrobras by mutual consent after months of speculations of regarding a pull out.
McLaren and Petrobras only joined hands in 2018 with the intention of jointly working together to help each other on certain projects alongside the key F1 agreement. Even before the work started in full force, there were issues with the deal.
The Brazilian Government didn’t want Petrobras to sponsor McLaren as President Jair Bolsonaro tweeted details of the deal in May and pushed the Brazilian oil company to terminate. The team, though, kept the talks confidential.
But with the announcement of McLaren going back to Mercedes from 2021 F1 season, the news gained more strength as fresh speculations arose of Petrobras officially leaving the team, which eas eventually confirmed on Monday ahead of the Brazil GP.
Upon the announcement, Roberto Castello Branco, Chief Executive Officer, Petrobras, said: “We recognize the importance of McLaren in global motorsport and we are very satisfied with the results delivered during the two years of our partnership.
“The project allowed Petrobras to develop high-technology gasoline and lubricants through research with new raw materials and tests performed in extreme conditions. The technological development will be used in lubricant and fuel products.
“We see in McLaren a commitment to innovation and also the possibility of future partnerships.” At the same time, Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing, added: “We would like to thank Petrobras for their partnership and support.
“We have great respect for their technical and scientific capabilities, and there is no doubt the company’s technicians have made substantial progress in the time we have been working together.
“We wish everyone at Petrobras every success and hope to see them back in the sport again in the future.” The release hasn’t stated the year when it ends but it is assumed that they will see-through the 2019 F1 season, at least.
Should they conclude it in 2019, McLaren will have to find a partner for 2020 when they will still use the Renault power unit. If they opt for Petronas, they will have to work together with Renault before 2021 when Mercedes comes in.
Here’s the last story on the deal
