McLaren Honda may not be winning on the race track, but they are winning on the sponsor market after announcing this evening (local time) that they have come to an agreement with Star Sports India to become a new Corporate Partner as part of an agreement that will include the production of exclusive viewer content and fan competitions.
Already a broadcasting innovator, Star Sports India has transformed sports coverage in its native country. The country's leading sports network, Star Sports India engages audiences across ten dedicated sports channels. As the exclusive broadcast partner of the FIA Formula One World Championship, they plan to showcase the best-in-class Formula 1 experience on its Star Sports Select HD channels and continue to grow the sport's fan base throughout India.
The partnership will see McLaren-Honda and Star Sports India work together to create bespoke content, including exclusive interviews, for their TV and digital channels that will help bring viewers and fans even closer to the team and the global sport of Formula 1.
“It's always exciting to bring a new Partner onboard. I've had that feeling a few times in my career so far! With Star Sports India joining a brand as eponymous as McLaren the fit is as obvious as it is compelling. We are a sports and technology company – racers at heart, of course, and, therefore, innovators in everything we do,” said Zak Brown, Executive Director, McLaren Technology Group.
“And talking to Star Sports India, we quickly discovered a similar innovative mind-set and shared passion for how we engage sports fans through great content. That's why I'm really looking forward to working with the great team at Star Sports India and seeing what we can achieve together to bring fans even closer to the sport we love.”
As part of the agreement, viewers will have the opportunity to win an exciting range of prizes, including the chance to win a trip to join the team trackside at a grand prix race weekend, ride in a McLaren high-performance road car or meet the McLaren-Honda drivers.
Star Sports India branding will be displayed prominently on the drivers' overalls of McLaren-Honda teammates Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne throughout the season.
