F1 deal Heineken to be announced in Montreal

F1 looks set to lift the lid on its major new sponsorship deal with Heineken ahead of next month's Canadian grand prix. Last week, following a leak in the press, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone all but confirmed reports the Dutch beer brewer is entering the sport not only with a trackside advertising deal but also the sponsorship of a team.

The identity of the team is not known, but given Dutch sensation Max Verstappen's move and recent victory, an alignment with Red Bull would make sense. El Confidencial, a Spanish newspaper, noted that after his 18-year-old son's Spanish grand prix win, Jos Verstappen was seen in the paddock sipping a green bottle of Heineken in the Red Bull hospitality area.

The report said struggling Force India has also pitched for the deal, but it might clash with other alcohol brands connected to team owner Vijay Mallya. Similarly, McLaren is backed by Chandon, and Toro Rosso by the Spanish lager Estrella Galicia. It is expected that all will be known after a press conference held in Montreal prior to the Canadian grand prix in just over two weeks. (GMM)