Thanks to a new deal between the team and Google, Season 5 of Formula 1: Drive to Survive could feature a scene in which McLaren Racing CEO Zack Brown smashes a Tom Brady-style Chromebook or Android tablet.
In 2020, McLaren pulled out of a deal with OnePlus, which released some powerful black and orange Android phones, but there are no signs of a similar promotion of the Pixel line brand anytime soon.
Instead, a new “multi-year” deal between Google and McLaren sees the MCL36 driven by Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo (who, after multiple negative tests, can now race in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend) branded in their racing suits and helmets. , along with the number 58 McLaren MX Extreme E driver and crew.
You can spot the Android logo on the hood in these images (thanks Benjamin Cartwright), while the familiar colors of Google Chrome are clearly visible on the 18-inch caps.
If you’re unfamiliar with these signature wheels in F1, here’s your chance, as wheel covers have been reintroduced for the first time since 2009. As Formula1.com points out, wheel covers are a must-have on all cars this season, and while they are a simpler design than those seen on some cars in the mid-2000s, they were created to reduce the changes made. in turbulence to provide tighter following and ideally more overtaking opportunities. Motorsport.com has more information on the history of F1 wheel covers, why they were banned before the 2010 season and why they are back now, including a non-disc design that should make it easier for mechanics to work during pit stops.
They also stated that McLaren will use “5G-enabled Android devices and Chrome browsers to support drivers and teams in practice, qualifying and racing to improve performance on the track.” our teams will get better support and focus on improving performance. We look forward to an exciting partnership in Formula 1 and Extreme E.”
As a viewer, inclusion is less annoying than the often useless “AWS-powered analyzes” of Amazon-sponsored game streams, but as Microsoft discovered with its Surface and NFL, the real branding opportunities come when someone picks up your device.
Update March 17 at 1:47 AM ET: Added more MCL36 photos and hubcap information for the 2022 F1 car.
Post time: Nov-28-2022