McLaren confirms termination of Petrobras partnership

McLaren has confirmed that it has concluded its partnership with Brazilian petrochemicals Petrobas, a sponsor of the Woking-based outfit since 2018.

The announcement was expected following the public comments, and criticism of the deal, by Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro who pushed for a premature end to the five-year partnership.

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing Chief Executive Officer, said: "We would like to thank Petrobras for their partnership and support.

"We have great respect for their technical and scientific capabilities, and there is no doubt the company's technicians have made substantial progress in the time we have been working together."

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Petrobras CEO Roberto Castello Branco said that the company recognized "the importance of McLaren in global motorsport and we are very satisfied with the results delivered during the two years of our partnership.

"The project allowed Petrobras to develop high-technology gasoline and lubricants through research with new raw materials and tests performed in extreme conditions," Castello added.

"The technological development will be used in lubricant and fuel products. We see in McLaren a commitment to innovation and also the possibility of future partnerships."

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