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McLaren have suffered a crippling £155 million sponsorship blow, reports Byron Young from Singapore.

Boss Bernie Ecclestone has walked away with the massive Johnnie Walker deal they’d hoped to land.

The former champions have been searching for a new title sponsor for over 18 months to replace Vodafone.

Instead of expanding their McLaren backing, Diageo, owners of the famous tipple, decided to become the sport’s official whisky.

The decision will come as another embarrassment for boss Ron Dennis who has refused to cut his rate card despite the recession.

(Image: Mark Thompson)

Last year Britain’s top F1 team trumpheted the exact December day they would announce a new title sponsor only for the date to pass in silence.

And it is a second significant blow after Hugo Boss ended one of the sports longest lasting sponsorships earlier this year to join Mercedes.

Despite their falling prize fund revenue as well, McLaren do have an extra £100m coming in next year from the tie-up with F1 legends, Honda.

McLaren had one of the worst seasons in their history last year and have not won a race since November 2012.

While Jenson Button’s future remains uncertain as his McLaren contract runs out at the end of the season.

(Image: Drew Gibson)

The 2009 champion was not optimistic talk of three car teams in 2015 would be his saviour.

“I talk to Ron a lot. It's all moving along fine. I'm not scared of anything,” said Button.

“I would not rather have to think about the only way I have a career next year is with a three car team.

“I like F1 the way it is.”