International. AkzoNobel said it has expanded its official supplier alliance with McLaren Racing. The announcement came as McLaren-Honda prepared for last weekend's Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, in which the MP4-30 showcased the coatings firm's high-gloss top finishes.
The two companies have been working closely together since 2008 when, through its Sikkens brand, AkzoNobel became an official supplier of paint solutions for McLaren Racing, an agreement that was subsequently extended to McLaren Automotive. AkzoNobel has used its relationship with McLaren to develop its extreme environment technology and to use lessons learned in Formula 1 to drive innovations in other industries.
McLaren Racing has been able to showcase cars that have consistently created an impressive visual impact while enjoying performance improvements from the small, but important, weight savings that AkzoNobel's technology has been able to provide.
Jonathan Neale, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Managing Director of McLaren Racing, commented: "We are delighted to extend our successful relationship with AkzoNobel. F1 is a very visual sport, and since 2008 we have worked together to develop the distinctive finishes seen on our cars."
