Vodafone, EE In Dispute Over Ads Displayed On McLaren Car During British F1 GP

Vodafone and EE "became embroiled in a war of words at the British Grand Prix over the weekend, after fellow mobile operator EE demanded Vodafone remove what it claims was an ad promoting 'Ultrafast 4G' from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes cars," according to Alex Brownsell of MARKETING MAGAZINE. A Vodafone spokesperson said that the company was contacted on Friday by EE Chief of Brand & Communications Steven Day, who demanded that the company "garage" McLaren’s F1 drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez and remove the "Ultrafast 4G" branding. The spokesperson said, "This is sponsorship, not advertising. We’re using the car to build further awareness of our forthcoming Ultrafast 4G service. It’s a ‘static promotion,' albeit on a car that can travel at over 200mph" (MARKETING MAGAZINE, 7/1).