03.15.11
AkzoNobel has become a full technology partner to the McLaren Group after expanding and extending the current relationship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. The announcement of the deal coincided with the launch in Berlin of the new MP4-26 Formula 1 car, which now features the AkzoNobel logo on the rear wing end plate.mThe two companies have been working together since 2008, when AkzoNobel, through its Sikkens brand, became the official supplier of paint solutions to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team. Under the new four-year agreement, AkzoNobel will work closely with McLaren Racing to further develop its extreme environment technology for use in Formula 1 and wider industrial applications. The new MP4-26 features a sophisticated high gloss Sikkens system and will be driven by former champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. The first Grand Prix of the 2011 season takes place in Bahrain on March 13.