The agreement provides for a technology partnership to develop high-performance fuel and lubricants, and may be extended to other strategic areas, such as the sharing of technologies between the parties. The Petrobras brand will be displayed on the team’s cars, uniforms and physical facilities.
“Partnerships are strategic for Petrobras. The technologies developed for Formula 1 will be transferred to the products we offer our customers, and being at the forefront of fuel and lubricant development is of value to our company, its shareholders and customers”, said Pedro Parente, CEO, Petrobras.
McLaren points that Petrobras is already highly experienced and successful in Formula 1 and the resources and specialists at their disposal are impressive.
“Brazil’s passion for Formula 1 is legendary and the country has produced some of the most iconic names in Formula 1 history. We are delighted to deepen our relationship with Brazilian F1 fans through our partnership with Petrobras, a flagship brand for the nation. Petrobras is an ambitious organisation and we look forward to McLaren being an accelerator and enhancer in their brand-building efforts”, Zak Brown, Executive Director, McLaren Technology Group, commented.
As part of the agreement, Petrobras, through its CENPES Research Centre, will develop gasoline and engine lubricants specially formulated for the team, which will be used in races in the 2019 season. The company will have a laboratory in the McLaren team’s garage during practice sessions and races, allowing real-time analysis of fuel performance.