Monster Energy is Red Bull’s main competitor in the energy drink business, and it also happens to be engaged in Formula One. Monster started their sponsorship of Mercedes F1 in 2010, with a deal that runs until 2023.
McLaren and Mercedes may have a little spat beginning in 2024, as the Papaya team threatens to draw perilously close to, if not surpass, Mercedes in vehicle development for the 2024 season. Tensions may increase further after McLaren’s power unit arrangement with Mercedes was extended.
Another element has been added to the cause of tension between the two teams, as McLaren has secured Monster Energy as a sponsor for the 2024 season, a departure from the energy drink company’s long-standing partner Mercedes.
During its sponsorship of Mercedes, the $53 billion brewing firm also had a separate endorsement contract with Lewis Hamilton, and they even created a special version of the drink with the 7x Champion’s logo.
Lando Norris praised McLaren 2023 development after securing Constructors’ P4.
McLaren has had one of the most spectacular comeback seasons in recent F1 history, moving from being a total backmarker team to vying for podiums on a regular basis. The British team brought significant modifications to Austria, propelling them from the back of the pack to the podium.
McLaren’s leading pointscorer was Lando Norris, who finished the season with seven podiums. McLaren might theoretically compete with Red Bull in 2024, according to Norris, after a good recovery in 2023. The Briton commended the team for leapfrogging Aston Martin to fourth in the Constructors’ Standings after trailing the Silverstone squad for so long.
“For the morale, for the motivation, just to know we beat a team we were a long way behind in the beginning of the year, so [it] shows the hard work paid off. It’s a good bonus for everyone that’s part of the team, so very happy for them. Happy to be a part of it and to help that progression that we needed this year. We took one of the biggest steps we’ve ever done, but we know we want a lot more.”
McLaren and Zak Brown offered Lando Norris a championship-caliber vehicle in exchange for a contract renewal. The 23-year-old has turned down offers or even contract negotiations from current successful teams like Red Bull or Ferrari, opting to remain with the squad he has spent his whole career with.
