Santander Extends McLaren Deal for 2011

Grupo Santander doesn't want to miss a thing from the benefits that Formula One throws at its partners. After inking their long-term deal with Ferrari at the end of 2009, the Spanish banking giant extended for an additional year their contract with the second most popular team in the series (although that's relative depending on year-on-year success) McLaren Mercedes.

The Santander logo will continue to appear on the two McLaren cars in 2011 – Jenson Button's and Lewis Hamilton's MP4-26s – as well as drivers' overalls and helmets, confirmed Ana Botin, Santander UK CEO, on Wednesday.

“We are delighted to sign an extension to our deal with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,” said Botin in a statement for the press.

“It is exciting to be able to continue working with Lewis and Jenson. The relationship we have built with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team and its drivers has been integral to creating and building the Santander brand in the UK. Without it, we would have not been able to rebrand to Santander last year,” she added.

Santander commenced partnership with McLaren since the end of 2006, when Fernando Alonso switched from Renault to the Woking based team. Although the Spaniard left Ron Dennis' squad after only on year, the Spanish company was bind by contract to remain committed to its initial partnership.

Eventually, the whole deal worked out just fine for the group, as Santander are now capitalizing on the immense support enjoyed by Hamilton and Button on their UK market.