Vodafone and McLaren to split at end of year

McLaren has confirmed that it is splitting from Vodafone at the end of the 2013 season – while adding that it will announce its new title sponsor in December, after the last race.

The news will inevitably encourage speculation that TelMex, or another Mexican entity, could be a possible replacement.

A team statement said: “Having met and exceeded all the highly ambitious targets that Vodafone had set for its title partnership with McLaren, the company has now decided to focus on business priorities away from Formula 1 sponsorship.”

Meanwhile Vodafone Group Chief Commercial Officer Morten Lundal said: “Vodafone and McLaren set ourselves highly ambitious goals in 2007. Over the past six years, we’ve set new standards in sports marketing together, and in doing so have achieved all of those objectives. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout the 2013 season.”

Regarding the future, the team added: “While the current title partnership is in place with Vodafone, McLaren will not disclose its new title partnership, but will make an exciting announcement on 2^nd December 2013, following the last Grand Prix of the season.”