New sponsor turns Force India F1 car pink

Force India has unveiled an impossible-to-miss new livery on the eve of the 2017 F1 season, ending its association with the orange, green, black and silver of recent years.

A new sponsorship deal with Austrian company BWT, a leading maker of water treatment products, has resulted in a pink, magenta and silver look. Pink will also appear on the helmets of drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez.

BWT has previously backed the DTM Mercedes of Lucas Auer, suggesting that the sponsorship is connected to the engine supply and presence of Esteban Ocon in the team.

The announcement has had the desired effect, creating a huge impact on social media. While not common in motor sport pink has featured on racing cars over the decades, including the Indy 500 winners of 1955 and ‘56.

“The arrival of BWT in Formula One is huge news and represents one of the most significant partnerships in our 10-year history,” said team boss Vijay Mallya. “It’s a sign of how far we have come as a team with our strong results and completes a solid commercial performance over the winter.

“For 2017 our cars will sport a vibrant new color scheme with a smart matte finish. Changing the color of our cars is an indication of the strength of this new partnership and a real statement of intent from BWT as they begin their relationship with the sport of Formula One.”