Racing Point to Move Away from Unique Livery in 2019?

In an ‘exclusive’ story by SportBusiness.com, there were claims that seemingly reveal the colours for the 2019 Racing Point team.

Formerly known as Force India, Racing Point was bought out and rebranded by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll in August last year.

It is said that a new sponsorship deal between Racing Point and Kenyan bookmakers SportPesa, was the trigger for the potential livery change. SportPesa is a betting brand that has recently expanded outside of Africa to the UK and Isle of Man.

SportPesa is understood to be paying $8 million for its first year followed by $10m in 2020 and a further $12m if they remain for 2021 say Racefans.net.

Further, a few days ago it wasn’t well understood where current main sponsor BWT stood within this framework, and whether they’d stay with the team as principal sponsor going forward.

SportBusiness claim this evening that their source has exclusively revealed to their reporter Matthew Glendinning that Racing Point will be running the blue colours of SportPesa along with Pink, similar to what we saw with BWT.

If true, then this could point to a continuation with BWT but also sharing a degree of exposure with SportPesa.

Racing Point’s current line-up consists of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll. Perez’ contract with the outfit was extended. However, Stroll jumped ship from Williams to Racing Point for the 2019 F1 season.

In 2017 and 2018, Force India sported an all-pink livery in deference to its Austrian water sponsor BWT.

A Force India spokesperson would not comment on the SportPesa news, or the suggestion that it will no longer have a pink livery from 2019.

The Kenyan gambling firm will pay US$8 million in the first year of the arrangement, followed by US$10 million in 2020, with the possibility of a one-year extension worth a further US$12 million. As part of the agreement, SportPesa will receive brand exposure on the cars’ livery as well as other inventory.