McLaren and Vodafone to Part Ways

Vodafone and McLaren will end their title sponsor relationship at the end of the year.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The tie up started in 2007 after the telecommunication company made the switch from Italian firm Ferrari. They have found success with the Woking based squad, with some memorable PR and marketing features.

When Vodafone made the move, it took the place of former title sponsor West; bringing an all new chrome and “rocket red” colour scheme.

They go in to their seventh as a pair, but Vodafone will part ways with the team at the end of the year. This is because they have “decided to focus on business priorities away from Formula One sponsorship.”

Martin Whitmarsh said after the news broke “we’re immensely proud that, having set a number of ambitious challenges by Vodafone back in 2007, together we’ve met or exceeded each and every one.

“Our focus is on continuing to drive results for all our partners throughout the 2013 season and we look forward to making a major title partnership announcement towards the end of the year.”

The team also illustrated that a new title sponsor will be announced, one they describe as “exciting”, on 2^nd December.

The F1 Paddock in Australia is full of rumours describing possible replacements. Mexican firm Telmex, who back Sergio Perez, has been mentioned along with Coca-Cola and Honda also being mentioned.

Honda are also rumoured to be the engine manufacturer of choice for the team in 2015, so there will certainly be plenty of changes at the team in years to come.