McLaren has announced that it has expanded its partnership with British American Tobacco across Formula 1 and IndyCar for the 2020 season.
McLaren linked up with BAT for 2019 and, with tobacco sponsorship outlawed in Formula 1, has been involved in promoting the company’s “New Category products.”
As part of the new deal BAT will promote its products “at all times in line with applicable regulation and legalisation,” including exposure for its “leading vapour range, VUSE, and its modern oral product, VELO.”
BAT’s branding will feature on the sidepod, inside halo and front wing on McLaren’s MCL35 in Formula 1, while the company will also align itself with the team’s IndyCar operation.
“We’re pleased to announce our enhanced partnership with BAT after a successful first season together,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
“BAT’s transformation agenda remains central to this partnership, as does a shared focus on technology and innovation and we look forward to continuing our work together from 2020 and beyond.
“As we reach the end of the 2019 season, we thank BAT for its continued support.”
BAT was previously involved in Formula 1 in the late 1990s/early 2000s when it owned the team which competed as British American Racing (BAR), prior to its eventual sale to Honda.