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McLaren is uncertain if its planned switch to Petrobras fuel and lubricants will be able to start on time for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
Early on last year, the team signed a deal with Petrobras for the 2019 season, but continued to use BP/Castrol products while featuring sponsor logos from Petrobras on the MCL33.
The team was looking to switch over to Petrobras entirely for 2019, however reports in Brazil say that the government is looking to trim state-funded F1 investments - Petrobras being one of the companies impacted.
Speaking about the situation, McLaren's sporting director Gil de Ferran said: "I think we are still working on the development together with Petrobras. It would be difficult to put a timescale on it right now."
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It might be more prudent to stick to BP regardless. I don't know how much Red Bull were affected by using Exxon-Mobil's products instead of BP, but the possibility that it affected them negatively (or positively) can't be excluded. Let Petrobras be the sponsor. while BP does the work.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
After that whole issue with Red Bull and Exxon last year I don't understand why McLaren is considering it. Only one reason makes sense and it's money. They probably would get a good deal from Petronas. That being said, it could easily be that Renault was trolling Red Bull last year and the gasoline was just fine. I don't recall this being a problem in years past
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Only money makes sense, and the answer is only money, honey. Generally speaking, Exxon Mobil is top of the crop when it comes to making motorsport fuel and lube, so it wouldn't surprise me if it was just as good as BP's stuff. And Renault has been known to bullshit quite a bit with such things before, so wouldn't surprise me if this was A bit e' boullshit. However, I don't think we can exclude the possibility that RB were harmed by not running BP.
f1ski
Posts: 726
if RBR didn't get reliability and performance because they didn't use the same fuel as Renault how is mclaren going to do with no known fuel supplier