McLaren "tied down long-time sponsor Johnnie Walker on a multi-year deal, despite earlier speculation suggesting the brand would leave the British team," according to Valentin Khorounzhiy of MOTORSPORT. Diageo brand Johnnie Walker was rumored to instead be joining Force India in the offseason, "with the Woking-based squad securing Chandon sponsorship."
However, having lost a number of backers in the recent years and lacking a title sponsor, McLaren "has indeed managed to prevent the whisky brand's exit."
It "has likewise earlier renewed a deal" with another long-term sponsor -- the U.K. branch of the bank Santander (MOTORSPORT, 3/11).
CALSONIC KANSEI: McLaren announced a new multi-year partnership with Japanese automotive company Calsonic Kansei.
Calsonic Kansei is a global manufacturer of automotive components, supplying heat exchangers, climate control systems, instrument panels, compressors, electronics and exhaust systems to some of the world’s leading automotive brands.
Calsonic Kansei has been supplying McLaren with racecar components for over 20 years, but this new multi-year global partnership will see both companies working more closely together (McLaren).
KENWOOD: McLaren also announced the renewal and continuation of its long-standing partnership with the JVC Kenwood Corp.
Kenwood became McLaren’s official supplier of radio communications in '91. This year is the 25th anniversary of the partnership (McLaren).
