Formula One news

Santander to switch from McLaren to Ferrari

Spanish bank Santander will become sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari as of 2010 according to the bank's president. Emilio Botín, the bank's chairman, confirmed at a football meeting in Paraguay his bank will move from McLaren to Ferrari.

Santander joined the McLaren team as a major sponsor in 2007 when Fernando Alonso joined the Woking base team. Fernando Alonso and McLaren ended their partnership at the end of their first season though and it was impossible for the bank to end its contract early. The team signed a contract for three season that will come to an end at the end of the 2009 Formula 1 season.

"Santandar will become Ferrari's sponsor as of 2010, this is one thing that is certain," said Botín. According to Spanish media Santandar's sponsorship is another sign the Italian's are extremely interested to sign double world champion Fernando Alonso. Botín would love to see the Spaniard at Ferrari but remains realistic: "Alonso is the best driver in the world and we would love to work with him again. Unfortunately this is not our call though."

more news

• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel didn´t expect Button´s McLaren deal
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally
  • Webber drives GP3 car in France
  • 'Bianchi to test Ferrari at Jerez'
  • Prize-winning Wilson drives McLaren
  • Brawn: Button-McLaren talk not helpful
  • Sabbatical year for Räikkönen in 2010
  • Drivers preparing for Toyota Motor Sport Festival
• 17 Nov.
  • Di Montezemolo to quit as FOTA Chairman?
  • 'Brawn and Button just sparring' - Ecclestone
  • 'Button agrees terms with McLaren'

Homepage