McLaren title sponsorship deal with Vodafone to finish at end of season

McLaren and Vodafone will end their long-running title sponsorship deal at the end of the season.

During the partnership, which began in 2007 and was worth $75m per year according to the Financial Times, the team won 34 races and the 2008 drivers’ world championship with Lewis Hamilton.

In a statement ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, McLaren said they would announce a replacement for their title sponsor for 2014 after the conclusion of the season on 2 December.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “We're immensely proud that, having been set a number of ambitious challenges by Vodafone back in 2007, together we've met or exceeded each and every one.

“Our focus is on continuing to drive results for all our partners throughout the 2013 season and we look forward to making a major title partnership announcement towards the end of the year.”

Vodafone are only McLaren’s fourth title partner in the team’s 50-year history and the two brands will continue to work together for the rest of the season.

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.”

Vodafone ended a three-year sponsorship deal with the Champions League at the end of the 2008-09 season and a four-year deal with the England cricket team in 2010.

According to the Financial Times, Vodafone said the decision to end the partnership was not made on price, with the telecoms company expected to divert a similar amount into a global branding strategy.