Santander Extend Deal with McLaren Mercedes

All of the Formula One fans that thought Grupo Santander will end their partnership with McLaren Mercedes in order to begin a new one with Ferrari – ourselves included – better thing again, as the Spanish group today unveiled it has extended its deal with the Woking based team.

Although the statement coming from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes doesn't mention the period of time for which the new agreement was signed, what is certain is the fact that reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton will be sponsored by the British arm of Santander, Abbey, in the years to come.

“The year 2010 will create a newly-refreshed scenario for Santander in terms of Formula 1 sponsorship. Our continuing partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – and especially with Lewis Hamilton – will fit very well with our ongoing development of the Santander brand, not only in the UK but globally too,” said Juan Manuel Cendoya, Senior Vice President of Communications, Corporate Marketing and Research, according to a press release.

“We are extremely pleased to have extended our hugely successful global Partnership with Santander. As one of the world’s leading banks with a significant presence in Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and the United States and other countries. Santander is a great ‘fit’ with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and our triumphs on the global stage of Formula 1,” added McLaren's team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley has the same logo as Grupo Santander, meaning that both the Ferraris and the McLarens will share the same sponsor in the upcoming season. The last time that happened was in the 1990s, when both teams enjoyed some fruitful partnerships with Marlboro.