ExxonMobil expands partnership with McLaren-Honda F1 team
The McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team has expanded its technology partnership with ExxonMobil to include its retail fuel brands, Esso, Exxon and Mobil.
This decision comes after a regulatory change was introduced to Grand Prix racing in 2014: each car is limited to 100 kilograms (kg) of fuel per race, meaning that fuel now plays an even larger part in the car’s performance. Since late 2013, the technical team developing this season’s fuel has been working closely with Honda to optimise performance for the MP4-30.
ExxonMobil produces its racing fuel at the same facility as its advanced retail fuel formulations, at a technology centre in Paulsboro, N.J., U.S.A. This “race-to-road” interconnectedness allows ExxonMobil to deliver optimal fuel economy performance to its retail customers as well.
“With Honda on-board as the new engine partner for 2015, and highly-experienced world champions Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso at the wheel, capably supported by test and reserve driver Kevin Magnussen, we are all focused on winning races,” said Alan Kelly, president of ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants Co.
“Extracting more power and fuel efficiency is a key focus, we are delighted to recognize ExxonMobil’s fuels technology contributions during the past two decades by welcoming the fuels side of the business as an official partner,” said Ron Dennis, chairman and CEO of McLaren Technology Group.
ExxonMobil has been an official technology partner of the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team since 1995. In 2014, the Esso logo was featured on the car during select races in celebration of ExxonMobil and McLaren’s 20-year partnership. The 2015 season will see ExxonMobil fuels branding showcased on the MP430 car throughout the season.