AkzoNobel and McLaren Racing Renew Partnership to Accelerate Performance-Driven Innovation

AkzoNobel and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have announced the extension of their long-standing and highly successful partnership, which now expands into the exciting world of endurance racing.

Continuing as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s exclusive Official Coatings Solutions Partner, AkzoNobel will also join the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team as one of its first partners ahead of the team’s debut in next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

The collaboration between AkzoNobel and McLaren began in 2008, built on a shared commitment to exceptional performance and cutting-edge innovation. This partnership reached new heights last season when the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team claimed both the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

“We’re incredibly excited to continue and extend our collaboration with such a long-standing and valued partner,” says Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Our search for better never stops, so we’ll carry on working together to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in the areas of sustainability, technological innovation and product development.”

Matt Dennington, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing, adds: “AkzoNobel has been a trusted partner for McLaren for nearly two decades and we’re excited to take that collaboration to the next level. Partners who share our passion for performance and innovation are key to achieving success and we look forward to working together as we enter the World Endurance Championship.”

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is an international sportscar racing series centred on long-distance competitions that challenge vehicle reliability, race strategy, and team performance. Introduced in 2021, the Hypercar category represents the premier class of the championship.

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is an international sportscar racing series centred on long-distance events that challenge vehicle reliability, race strategy, and team performance. Introduced in 2021, the Hypercar category represents the highest level of competition within the championship.

The WEC calendar features iconic endurance races, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, which McLaren Racing famously won on its debut appearance in 1995.

Looking ahead, McLaren’s Mastercard Formula 1 car for the current season is scheduled to be unveiled on February 9. Pre-season testing will begin in Bahrain on February 12, with the opening Formula 1 Grand Prix set to take place in Australia on March 8.

Source: AkzoNobel