Rich Energy are causing chaos in F1 again... now McLaren are in their sights

Rich Energy

Rich Energy are causing chaos in F1 again... now McLaren are in their sights

The beard is back!

Matthew Scott

Saturday 2 November 2019 13:30

Anyone who thought they'd heard the last of Rich Energy in Formula 1 can think again.

The short-lived title sponsor of Haas looked to be gone when a three-year agreement was annulled just 12 races into this season after a very public falling out between the energy drinks company and American race squad.

A name change to Lightning Volt came and went, while CEO William Storey went and came after an internal battle between shareholders.

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Messages regarding Haas have remained steady from the Rich Energy account, despite the sponsorship deal being cancelled – something that has been claimed to be untrue on Rich's part.

The always-entertaining account set tongues wagging this week by sending a tweet including hashtags #NewDeal, #McLaren and #RenaultF1.

Premium British performance with @rich_energy #RichEnergy #F1 #NewDeal #McLaren #RenaultF1 pic.twitter.com/sTXpIYz1Ab
— Rich Energy (@rich_energy) October 31, 2019

With McLaren CEO Zak Brown facing the media at the United States Grand Prix, the question was put to the American, are Rich Energy about to make a comeback with one of F1's most storied outfits?

It seems not, according to Brown anyway.

"Not at all. I was sent that [tweet], and the guy obviously likes to draw attention to himself.

"I haven't spoken with them. I won't speak with them. I think that is an attempt to get some publicity."

Publicity has indeed followed, but Rich would not let the matter lie there, and directed a message to Brown asking that he apologise for "his false statement", while also detailing supposed meetings held between the team owner and Rich's top brass.

We ask Zak Brown of @McLarenF1 to clarify & apologise for his false statement on @rich_energy
Our CEO has met him multiple times to discuss deals at his club Alfreds & at many races this year. RE livery shown to us at tech centre in Woking #USGP #F1 #RichEnergy #McLaren #COTA pic.twitter.com/D0ZrRvfieF
— Rich Energy (@rich_energy) November 2, 2019