Diageo brand Johnnie Walker, which has backed McLaren since 2005, was rumoured to instead be joining Force India in the off-season, with the Woking-based squad securing Chandon sponsorship.

However, having lost a number of backers in the recent years and lacking a title sponsor, McLaren has indeed managed to prevent the whisky brand's exit.

It has likewise earlier renewed a deal with another long-term sponsor - the UK branch of the bank Santander.

"Johnnie Walker’s renewed agreement with McLaren-Honda underlines our belief in, and commitment to, the strength and durability of long-standing commercial partnerships," McLaren boss Ron Dennis said in a statement.

"A partnership that has existed for more than a decade provides each party with greater levels of strength and depth – huge positives in today’s fast-moving consumer society.

"This partnership renewal eloquently and irrefutably underlines the robust and exciting direction in which McLaren-Honda is going, with victory on track the destination.”