Santander Hint McLaren Sponsorship Will End

Major banking group Grupo Santander, which has been a constant and important figure in the world of Formula One in recent years, has hinted that their collaboration with McLaren Mercedes F1 Team might come to an end.

Talking to the Spanish media this past weekend, the group's spokesman Juan Manuel Cendoya said that Santander has proceeded to a smooth transition from terminating their sponsorship deal with the Woking based team. Indeed, throughout the 2010 campaign, the Santander logos had disappeared from the rear wing of the McLaren MP4-25s, the sponsorship being visible only through the drivers' overalls.

“We have had a transition with McLaren and who knows if in the future we will keep on having a relationship with them and their drivers,” revealed Cendoya. However, he insisted that the company's plans in Formula One are long term one, and for the time being will be focused on the fruitful partnership with Ferrari.

“It is bright. We are delighted to work with Ferrari; the Scuderia will keep on fighting to win,” added the Grupo Santander spokesman.

Grupo Santander initially revealed, back in 2008, that they will end their partnership with McLaren Mercedes in 2010. However, due to the high level of brand's awareness in the UK, the Spanish company decided to extend this partnership, through it's British arm Abbey.

As of 2010, Santander is a corporate sponsor for Ferrari F1 Team. In addition to that programme, the group is also sponsoring the Copa Libertadores de America (South American variant of the UEFA Champions League).