Johnnie Walker salutes 40years of progress at McLaren

Johnnie Walker, the world's number one selling Scotch Whisky today presented Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group and Team McLaren Mercedes Team Principal with a handcrafted bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label decorated with Steinmetz diamonds to celebrate McLaren's 40th anniversary in Grand Prix racing. The bottle was presented by Paul Walsh, CEO Diageo on the steps of the Team McLaren Mercedes Communications Centre in the Formula 1 paddock.

Earlier in the month Ron Dennis visited the home of Johnnie Walker at the Cardhu distillery to help view some of the casks selected for this historic Blue Label blend.

Monaco is a significant location for both Johnnie Walker and McLaren, with McLaren's Formula 1 debut being at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1966, while Johnnie Walker first appeared on the Monaco track in the mid-seventies.

"There is a natural and historic fit between Johnnie Walker, McLaren and Monaco, both brands have become synonymous with the sophistication and glamour epitomised by this special race," said Ben Anderson, global brand director of Johnnie Walker. "As a partner of Team McLaren Mercedes, Johnnie Walker is delighted to be here in Monaco to celebrate this historic milestone with the team."

Ron Dennis said "I was invited to the home of Johnnie Walker to see the whisky distillation process for myself and was amazed at how many rare and distinctive whiskies come together to create Blue Label. It was a pleasure to meet Jim Beveridge, the master blender who explained the intriguing art of blending and the attention to detail that goes into creating this excellent blend."

Throughout the Grand Prix weekend Johnnie Walker continues to demonstrate its commitment to responsible drinking through the 'Pit Stop' promotion located at Monaco railway station. The activity was launched on Wednesday by a personal appearance by Juan Pablo Montoya, who arrived by train and helped the Johnnie Walker Pit Stop crew to raise consumer awareness on how to enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix responsibly.