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Will McLaren change fuel supplier for 2019?

Will McLaren change fuel supplier for 2019?

15-02-2019 11:09

Last season, Red Bull encountered some problems with the Renault engine. During the season, they changed fuel supplier as they found a better option. McLaren, during their launch yesterday, confirmed it was still their intention to use Petrobras products this year.

Gil de Ferran confirmed the British team are still working on a plan as they look to begin their second year using Renault engines.

“We are still working on the development together with Petrobras. It would be difficult to put a timescale [on it] right now,” de Ferran told motorsport.

Ferrari will continue their long-standing partnership with Shell, while Mercedes use the Petrobras who have fuelled them to five consecutive titles.

Renault uses BP/Castrol which McLaren used during their time with Honda in 2017 and last year.

Zak Brown then spoke about the plans he has going forward.

“We have a great relationship with Petrobras, we are developing fuels with them as we speak," Brown added.

“It is a very technical relationship. If you look at different fuel and lubes companies in F1, they use it as an R&D development to ultimately build their brand. We are in Brazil often with them. I’m very confident that we are delivering a lot of good value to them and anticipate the relationship to go from strength to strength.”