McLaren and Gulf Oil International Ltd announced a new strategic partnership that has implications from the garage at the track to your garage at home. The multi-year deal will once again formalize a longstanding relationship that the brands have had since the 1960s.
Racing enthusiasts may recall that Gulf’s link with McLaren started in 1968. That initial partnership continued until the end of the 1973 season, with Gulf and McLaren enjoying success in both Formula 1 and the Can-Am series, winning over 40 races. The two came together again in the 1990s for the Le Mans 24 Hours, which saw the McLaren F1 GTR running in Gulf colours throughout the decade.
Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive CEO; Mike Jones, Gulf Oil International Ltd CEO; and Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO pose near one of the historic McLaren models that has worn a Gulf livery over the years.Photo courtesy of McLaren Automotive
Starting in 2021, Gulf will become the preferred lubricant supplier to McLaren Automotive, with all cars to be filled with Gulf Oil and fuel optimized for high performance engines. Additionally, Gulf branding will also be displayed at McLaren Automotive’s PURE customer events that take place around the world, at retailers, and on team kit.
A small number of McLaren customers will be offered the opportunity to have their supercar hand-painted by McLaren Special Operations, the firm’s bespoke division, in Gulf liveries and colors which echo the famous F1 GTR Le Mans car that raced in the 1990s.
“It’s great to be able to welcome back Gulf after a long historical association which has seen the name adorn many McLaren road cars and race cars over the years,” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. “McLaren has a rich history of working with class-leading partners and we’re delighted to continue this trend via our renewed partnership with Gulf. Like McLaren, the Gulf name is synonymous around the world with technical excellence and innovation and the excitement of going racing and motoring.”
To launch the partnership, the Gulf brand will be integrated into the McLaren Formula 1 team starting with the British Grand Prix 2020 this weekend. The logo will be represented by McLaren F1 personnel throughout the 2020 F1 season, including via race drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz and the McLaren pit crew. Gulf branding will also appear on the engine covers and wing mirrors of the McLaren MCL35 race cars.
