The iconic Gulf Oil moniker will return to Formula 1 after the brand confirmed a welcome deal with McLaren today.
The return of Gulf Oil marks a renewal of a partnership that goes back to the origins of McLaren in the 1960s.
Gulf Oil sponsored Bruce McLaren’s efforts in Grand Prix racing and his successful Can-Am stint which the Kiwi dominated between the 1968 and 1971 alongside New Zealand compatriot Denny Hulme.
The Gulf-McLaren liaison produced numerous victories and championships and was resurrected in 1995 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the privately-owned race team of Ray Bellm.
The Gulf McLaren F1 GTR dominated sportscar racing in the latter stages of the 20th century, winning at Le Mans on debut as well as triumphs at the 1996 BPR Global Endurance Series and the GT Class at Le Mans in 1997.
Perhaps the most iconic Gulf-supported motorsport activity came from Steve McQueen’s film ‘Le Mans’ which gave the Gulf Porsche 917 piloted by F1 aces Pedro Rodriguez and Jo Siffert emblematic status.
The move comes on the back of a previous partnership with Brazilian oil company Petrobras who terminated their partnership with McLaren at the end of last season amid cost-cutting measures.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gulf back to McLaren and reunite two iconic brands back together in a new and exciting partnership.
“Gulf is part of McLaren’s history and are well-known for their innovation and technical excellence in the industry, with which aligns with McLaren perfectly. We are looking forward to starting our partnership together this season.”
The instantly recognisable orange disk will be represented by McLaren F1 personnel throughout the 2020 F1 season on both driver and team uniforms and the engine covers and wing mirrors of the McLaren MCL35.
F1 continues this weekend with the British GP as part if the first leg of a Silverstone doubleheader.
