Santander extends McLaren deal

Banco Santander extends its Corporate Partnership with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, with the high profile Santander branding present on all four of the team’s drivers. Since the start of our winning relationship in 2007, Santander has seen its brand awareness rise in the UK from 20% to 82%, supported by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and its drivers, including reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton. This increase has coincided with the Santander Group’s move to bring together Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley to operate under the single Santander brand.

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, said: “We are extremely pleased to have extended our hugely successful global Partnership with Santander. As one of the world’s leading banks, with a significant presence in Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and the United States and other countries, Santander is a great ‘fit’ with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and our triumphs on the global stage of Formula 1. “The year 2009 marks Santander’s third season of association with our sport, and during this time they have successfully title-sponsored three of the most prestigious and historic races: the British, German and Italian Grands Prix. We are very proud of our relationship with Santander and to be part of their ever-expanding Formula 1 involvement. We welcome, and wish them well with, their other activities – including, but not limited to, the afore-mentioned race sponsorships."