McLaren has admitted its long-standing sponsorship by the Swiss watch maker TAG Heuer is ending. CEO Jean-Claude Biver told the Swiss newsmagazine L'Hebdo that TAG Heuer has instead signed a deal with Red Bull Racing. "It (Red Bull) is a young, dynamic go-getter, perfectly consistent with the TAG Heuer strategy," he said.
A McLaren spokesman told us the reports TAG Heuer is ending its 30-year sponsorship of the British team - which spanned the world championship-winning Senna, Hakkinen and Hamilton eras - are true. "McLaren's partnership with TAG Heuer has been one of the most successful and enduring sponsorships in sporting history," he said.
"It has lasted 30 years, during which time both parties have achieved enormous success together. It is therefore with gratitude that we announce the end of our 30-year partnership, satisfied as both parties are with a job well done." The spokesman said McLaren's relationship with TAG Heuer's parent company, Paris-based LVMH, will continue via the new sponsorship with Chandon. (GMM)
Replies (2)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Looks more and more gloomy for McLaren. I sure hope they can find another sponsor soon. I understand why TAG would leave them as this season hasnt been very strong, but to leave them for Red Bull, which (for all we know) might not even have an engine until next year, and who hasnt exactly treated their partners very nicely is a bit odd. If I were TAG, I'd probably go to a team like Force India or Lotus, either need the money and Im not sure if they're associated with a watch producer as of present.
Elmgreen
Posts: 23
I guess the idea that FA and JB was worth all the money theyre paid in terms of bringing sponosrships, is not so true anyway. Who wants their brand associated with 2 has-beens. Yes FA is still a good driver, but he is over the hill. I predict the way McLaren handle their business is not going to attract any big sponsorships. Says they like Red Bull because "It (Red Bull) is a young, dynamic go-getter, perfectly consistent with the TAG Heuer strategy". McLaren is not so dynamic theese days ;.)