Shell has become an ‘innovation partner’ of Scuderia Ferrari for the next five years as part of a new agreement that will see the pair work closer together than ever before across a number of different projects.The arrangement is said to mark a ‘significant new chapter’ in a partnership that dates back to the 1930s.
Under the agreement Shell will continue to provide Scuderia Ferrari with a bespoke performance fuels and lubricants package: Shell V-Power race fuel and Shell Helix Ultra motor oil. Beyond that, Shell has also committed to continue to dedicate at least 21,000 man hours and 50 full time technical staff to the partnership every year.
As part of this, Shell will have a permanent technical staff presence at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters going forward, a measure of the increased collaboration to come between the two companies.
“Shell’s goal is to help power Scuderia Ferrari to an 11th Constructors’ Championship title in partnership with Shell,” said Shell’s downstream director, John Abbott. “Of course, fuels and motor oil are just two of the many parts that need to come together for a Formula 1 car to cross the finish line first. As our relationship with the most successful team in Formula 1 evolves, we are determined to help bring success to the Scuderia, and develop even better fuels and lubricants for our millions of customers.”
“The signing of this contract is another step forward on the path to stability, and we are delighted to work with Shell on an extended basis,” added Scuderia Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene. “Historically the engine is at the very core of Ferrari, which means that everything we do with Shell is working around our heritage as an engine constructor. Already this season the work that Shell has done has contributed to our wins in Malaysia and Hungary, which is proof of not only a professional commitment, but is also the result of a great partnership as well.”
Shell’s partnership with Ferrari will also stretch beyond Formula 1, with Shell set to provide fuel and lubricants to Ferrari GT teams entering the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
