The Force India Formula 1 car "has been painted pink ahead of the start of the season" as part of a new sponsorship deal with Austrian water technology company BWT, according to Laurence Edmondson of ESPN.com. The new livery "represents a dramatic departure from the team's previous silver and black livery" and adds another bright color to this year's grid. BWT's presence will be "reinforced" with BWT pink helmets for drivers Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon to complement the BWT pink car. Force India Owner Vijay Mallya said, "Changing the color of our cars is an indication of the strength of this new partnership and a real statement of intent from BWT as they begin their relationship with the sport of Formula 1" (ESPN.com, 3/14). OMNISPORT reported Force India "will not be difficult to spot." The team's presentation of its new livery prompted Mercedes "to score points at their rivals' expense before the campaign has even begun." Mercedes poked "gentle fun at the team's distinctive new appearance" (OMNISPORT, 3/14).
MIXING IT UP: The PA reported Ocon, the Frenchman who joined Force India this season from the "now defunct Manor team," posted a picture of Pink Panther on his Twitter account.
F1 teams had been criticized in recent seasons "for using mainly black and silver" color schemes (
PA, 3/14).
