Final Coat
AkzoNobel puts gloss on Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 race car
Formula 1’s Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team recently unveiled the new MP4-25, which features another paint system developed by AkzoNobel Car
Refinishes. Launched at Vodafone’s UK headquarters in
Newbury, the new MP4-25—driven by reigning champion
Jenson Button and winner of the 2008 world driver’s title,
Lewis Hamilton—has been finished with a system of
Sikkens products which gives a high gloss effect and offers
important weight savings.
“As official suppliers of paint solutions to the Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, we have been working
closely with their technical experts to deliver innovative
products which meet the strict performance requirements,”
said Jim Rees, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Car
Refinishes business.
“We have enhanced the unique, high performance system
we developed for last year’s MP4-24 to create a superior,
even more reflective, chrome-like color,” Rees said. “The fact
that one less layer is now required during application also
means potentially vital weight savings can be achieved,
while the paint process time has been further reduced.”
“The new and improved paint system looks spectacular
and the chrome effect is particularly impressive,” said
Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team
principal. “Having to apply one less coat won’t necessarily
win us a race, but will certainly contribute to improved per-
formance and could help provide that all-important com-
petitive edge.”
AkzoNobel Car Refinishes has an exclusive commercial
agreement as the official supplier of paint solutions to the
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team which runs
until 2011. The partnership involves technicians from both
parties working together to develop VOC compliant coat-
ings innovations which will continue to offer striking visu-
al impact and world class performance.
