McLaren confirmed it joined forces with BP and Castrol. The technical collaboration is for the provision of Formula 1 fuels and lubricant technology as well as the supply of products for McLaren Automotive. BP is already working with McLaren Applied Technologies.
In the fierce proving ground of Formula 1, BP is supplying a range of performance lubricants for Honda’s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). The team will also benefit from Castrol’s high-performance lubricants and greases. They will be used in the team’s Mazak-powered machine shop and dynamic chassis rig.
Jonathan Neale, chief operating officer, McLaren Technology Group, said:
“This agreement between McLaren, BP and Castrol is between brands who both share a long-standing and well-recognised passion for innovation in all we do. Our McLaren-Honda team provides a global platform for Castrol to supply bespoke advanced lubricant technology.”
Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer, McLaren Automotive, said:
“The partnership between McLaren Automotive and Castrol is an important step in our journey to deliver the highest levels of performance and efficiency from the engines in our Sports and Super car ranges. Not only will the lubricants provided by Castrol play a wide-ranging role in delivering the efficiencies across our existing cars, but our future engine generations as well.”
Meanwhile Racing Director Eric Boullier explained in more detail the latest changes at the F1 team
Team manager David Redding is leaving and Paul James will take his place.
“Dave was offered an opportunity with another team, and we didn’t want to stand in his way. Let’s not forget, he’s been at Woking for 17 years. We’ve been discussing this together for some time. It’s not a sudden decision, and we’re happy for him”, Boullier said in an interview for the team’s website. “Besides, we had the option of waiting until the middle of the year before replacing him. But we feel that we’ve got a really strong group of people. They are ready to step up and take on new responsibilities. Consequently, Dave will be spending the next few weeks handing over the Team Manager role to his successor, Paul James.”
“As our chief mechanic, Paul is the best in Formula 1. And that’s not merely my opinion, but that of many of my peers at the team who’ve had the opportunity to work up and down the pit-lane in many other teams, as I have of course. And I see no reason why Taffy – as he’s fondly called by everyone inside the team, Welshman that he is – won’t perform brilliantly in his new role.”
“I think what makes Paul unique is his unflinching honesty. He’s demanding of his team, but equally demanding of himself, which makes him both popular and inspirational. He’s able to dive straight to the heart of any problem – and quickly and effectively find a solution. And it’s that quality that I’m sure will serve him very well in this new role.”
