Bowers & Wilkins x McLaren Formula 1
Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren announce extension of their successful partnership to include the McLaren Formula 1 Team
Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned high-end audio brand, together with luxury supercar maker and Formula 1 team McLaren, announce an extension to their strategic long-term multi-year partnership which sees Bowers & Wilkins become Official Audio Partner across McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team.
This new partnership chapter continues the decade-long collaboration between McLaren Automotive and Bowers & Wilkins. Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has been a partner in the development of high-performance audio systems for McLaren supercars, bringing cutting-edge sound performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ relentless pursuit of perfection, inspired by founder John Bowers, mirrors the unyielding precision and performance demanded in Formula 1 racing. McLaren’s own unrelenting approach was born of visionary founder Bruce McLaren's desire to design and build the world's most accomplished racing cars. Both brands’ determination to exceed the limits of what is possible is evident in their respective approaches to performance and design excellence.
McLaren Automotive partnership built on firm technical foundations
Bowers & Wilkins’ revered engineering team work closely with counterparts at McLaren Automotive to create and optimise the audio system found in the company's supercars, including the recently announced McLaren W1. The W1’s audio system features premium audio technology designed to integrate into the interior’s InnoKnit fabric and carbon fibre architecture, utilising the very latest advanced speaker technologies developed in Southwater, home to the Bowers & Wilkins research and development team and only 30 miles away from the McLaren Technology Centre.
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive said:“Exceptional audio performance is key to further enriching the engagement of a McLaren. Specialist engineers from McLaren Automotive and Bowers & Wilkins have worked in partnership since 2015 to develop and deliver the sound technologies that ensure the levels of audio system excellence our customers demand.”
By extending the partnership into the McLaren Formula 1 Team, the brands are further highlighting the depth of their relationship. Building on a successful award-winning range of co-designed products, including the Px8 McLaren Edition and Zeppelin McLaren Edition, new projects are in development to further appeal to the Formula 1 team’s substantial global fanbase.
Additionally, Bowers & Wilkins products will play a crucial role in the team’s extensive travel, relaxation and pre-race preparation needs throughout the season.
Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bowers & Wilkins to McLaren Racing, building on their partnership with McLaren Automotive. Both brands share a commitment to innovation and technical excellence, and we look forward to creating exciting new products for our fans together.”
Speaking on behalf of Bowers & Wilkins, Tom Henderson, Marketing Director for Licensing and Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to continue and build upon our highly successful car audio development programme as well as continuing to explore co-branded product opportunities, building on the success of the Px8 McLaren Edition and Zeppelin McLaren Edition with products and storytelling that connect us to the exciting world of McLaren Racing.”
About Bowers & Wilkins:
Bowers & Wilkins, founded in the UK in 1966, has been at the forefront of high-performance audio for more than 50 years. Bowers & Wilkins designs and manufactures precision home speakers, headphones, custom installation and performance car audio products that set new standards for innovation and sound quality, earning countless awards and accolades from the world’s leading recording studios and musicians. Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation is based on the unwavering pursuit of the best possible sound and an unsurpassable music listening experience. Learn more at bowerswilkins.com.
The content in this news release is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice. All trademarks mentioned in this news release are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE
About McLaren Racing:
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 21 Formula 1 world championships, 189 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme member Ella Lloyd. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow with Lucas Blakeley, Wilson Hughes and Alfie Butcher.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.