McLaren boss Zak Brown says negotiations with new sponsors has been going well since the announcement that McLaren will split with engine supplier Honda and switch to Renault for the 2018 season.
Brown admitted their Honda plight had scared potential sponsors away and that was one of the reasons behind the need to switch engine supplier, as nobody wanted to partner with a team at the back of the grid, demanding top-tier money based on their history and brand.
"Fortunately, I have experience in this area but I knew that during the season, we wouldn't find any new partners when you have the problems we had," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
"We could not sell to potential sponsors the story that things will get better next year. That was one of the reasons why we needed a new engine supplier."
But things are looking more positive with a Renault deal signed according to Brown, despite the team having yet to turn a wheel with the French manufacturer's power unit installed.
"We had to prove we are willing to change things and keep our drivers. People still believe in McLaren, they believe in Renault, and they believe in Alonso and Vandoorne.
"So I can say now that our discussions with new sponsors are gooing very well."
