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Our global partners McLaren unveil new F1 car

McLaren F1 Car
15 February 2019

STORIES AND FEATURES

Our global partners McLaren unveil new F1 car

15 FEBRUARY 2019

Formula One giants McLaren – with whom BAT announced a global partnership on Monday – have unveiled their car for the 2019 season.

In an event at their UK headquarters yesterday, McLaren unveiled their new car – the MCL34 – for the upcoming F1 season, and a fresh driver line-up of Spain’s Carlos Sainz and debutant Lando Norris from the UK.

BAT’s multi-year partnership with McLaren is focused on accelerating our Transforming Tobacco agenda, at the heart of which is our commitment to providing a portfolio of potentially reduced-risk products (PRRPs), which can deliver a “better tomorrow” for our consumers.

Drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris

As part of the agreement, BAT will work closely with McLaren Applied Technologies, collaborating and sharing technology expertise; including batteries, advanced materials and design. The two companies will share best practice, processes, innovation, know-how and mutual experience.

Speaking at the launch, BAT’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kingsley Wheaton, said: “This really marks the kick-off of our technology and innovation partnership with McLaren. It is very exciting for our PRRP brands and to accelerate our transforming tobacco story.”

At the event, BAT’s new-to-world and thought-leading “A Better Tomorrow” platform was introduced and featured prominently both on the car and the drivers’ overalls and helmets.

Building a better tomorrow

As a global partner of the McLaren Formula One team, BAT will have on-car and off-car presence throughout the season, at all times in line with applicable regulation and legislation.

 

McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, said: “The McLaren family is not only our people and our drivers, but also our super partners and wonderful fans. We have a strong community of partners which continues to grow.”  

The newly-unveiled MCL34 car will make its on-track debut during pre-season testing which starts next week at the Circuite de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. The car will make its full F1 race debut at the Australian Grand Prix, March 15-17.

Carlos Sainz said: “I’m really looking forward to the tests and excited to finally go racing in McLaren colours.”

Lando Norris added: "I gained useful experience behind the wheel during practice sessions in 2018. The MCL34 looks great and now I just want to drive it."

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