Bernie strikes again: McLaren reportedly losing major sponsor to F1 supremo
On the eve of the Singapore Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone unveiled whisky brand Johnnie Walker as a new official sponsor for the sport.
Speed Week asked the F1 supremo how he always manages to collect top backers, while the teams themselves are struggling commercially.
"The teams also have great sponsors," the 83-year-old Briton insisted.
"Johnnie Walker has sponsored one of the teams," Ecclestone.
He was, of course, referring to McLaren, the British grandee team that, in the wake of Vodafone's departure, has failed to sign a new title sponsor in 2014.
Not only that, amid McLaren's performance slump, long-time sponsor Hugo Boss jumped ship to Mercedes.
And now, according to the Mirror newspaper, McLaren is losing Johnnie Walker as well.
Correspondent Byron Young said that, as the drink brand's parent Diageo signs up with Ecclestone, its withdrawal of the McLaren deal is a "crippling blow" for the Woking based team.
"The decision will come as another embarrassment for boss Ron Dennis who has refused to cut his rate card despite the recession," said Young.
Yet McLaren has hit back at reports it is set to lose Johnnie Walker as a sponsor.
McLaren reported that the story in the major British tabloid was incorrect, stating that "Johnnie Walker remains an important and valued sponsor of McLaren."
A team spokesman said the newspaper simply got the story "wrong."
"Yes, Johnnie Walker will be one of the sponsor logos on our 2015 car," he confirmed.
McLaren is one of the oldest teams in the Formula One garage, competing in the series since 1966. The team currently sits sixth place in the F1 constructors standings.
