McLaren and Gulf Oil sign multi-year F1 partnership

McLaren Racing and Gulf Oil have reunited thanks to a multi-year strategic partnership that will cover Formula 1 and McLaren Automotive's luxury supercars.

McLaren and Gulf Oil first came together in the last 1960s and continued their partnership into the 1970s, the pair enjoying success together in F1, Can-Am and IndyCar, achieving over 40 race wins.

The association was then renewed at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1990’s, with the famous McLaren F1 GTR running in Gulf colours throughout the decade.

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"A globally recognised and trusted brand, Gulf’s instantly recognisable orange disc is now synonymous around the world with high quality products, innovation and technical excellence, aligning directly with key McLaren attributes," read a statement from McLaren on Tuesday.

"From 2021, Gulf will become the preferred lubricant supplier to McLaren Automotive, with all cars to be filled with Gulf Oil and fuel optimised for high performance engines.

"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."

But Gulf's partnership with McLaren Racing will kick off this week at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where the brand will appear on the engine cover and wing mirrors of the Woking-based outfit's MCL35 as well as on the team kit of McLaren personnel.

"We’re delighted to welcome Gulf back to McLaren and reunite two iconic brands back together in a new and exciting partnership," said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

"Gulf is part of McLaren’s history and are well-known for their innovation and technical excellence in the industry, with which aligns with McLaren perfectly. We are looking forward to starting our partnership together this season."

Mike Jones, CEO, Gulf Oil said: "This is a very exciting partnership that brings the Gulf brand back into elite motor racing.

"The history books are full of remarkable tales that tell of what Gulf and McLaren have achieved in the past. Now we are together once more to write the next chapter of this unique partnership.

"We’re proud to be working alongside a brand that shares our future aspirations and our ambition for innovation both on the road and on the track.

"We look forward to working together and developing both Gulf and McLaren’s class-leading capabilities further."

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