Final Coat
AkzoNobel, McLaren Mercedes join forces
AkzoNobel has been named the official supplier to the Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team.The company has developed a high-performance Sikkens paint system, which will be
used by Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton as the team prepares
to defend its 2008 World Driver’s title.
“We are delighted to welcome a renowned company such as
AkzoNobel into our world-class partner portfolio,” said Ron
Dennis, chairman and CEO of McLaren Group. “We know that
Formula 1 as a sport has a high visual impact and attracts millions of viewers around the globe. Since 2006, the unique
chrome finish has become our distinctive racing livery, providing us with 14 grand prix victories. We look forward to a long
and successful partnership with them.”
“Our coatings expertise is geared towards providing our
partners with custom-made technical or performance solutions,” said AkzoNobel CEO Hans Wijers. “This business partnership between two world-class performers is a perfect example of our commitment to continued innovation and I’m convinced that together we will prove to be a winning team.”
Stringent technical requirements needed to be met before
the partnership could be approved. A combination of VOC
compliant systems and specialty products helps to optimize
performance, while at the same time producing the signature
chrome finish of the MP4-24.
As well as producing a highly distinctive chrome finish,
the new Sikkens system has also halved the time required to
cure the new bodywork parts, vitally speeding up the paint
application process. CW
Unveiled recently at McLaren Technology Centre
in Woking, Surrey, UK, the new Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 has been finished
with a Sikkens product tailor-made by AkzoNobel
Car Refinishes to meet the technical demands of
grand prix racing.
The youngest ever champion
in Formula 1 history, Lewis
Hamilton will begin the
defense of his title in the
new Sikkens-coated
Vodafone McLaren
Mercedes MP4-24 in
Australia on March 29.
A close up of the McLaren MP4-24 with its new paint.
All photos courtesy of McLaren.
