Thursday 3rd February 2000

Mercedes parent company Daimler bought 40% of McLaren, solidifying its engine supply deal that had been in place since 1995. The deal was also part of a plan for the two companies to build sports cars together. In 2003 the McLaren Mercedes SLR was launched but by 2009 McLaren announced its plans to build its own road cars and Mercedes set up its own F1 team. McLaren is now gradually buying back Mercedes’ 40%.