Kingspan

Mercedes terminates Kingspan sponsorship deal

Kevin Peterson02 mins

Mercedes Formula 1 team has ended controversial sponsorship deal with Kingspan, saying it is “not appropriate” to continue the partnership. Kingspan’s logo appeared on the helmet of Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, sparking protests after it emerged Kingspan products were used in Grenfell Tower, where 72 people were killed in a fire four years ago. Mercedes said in a statement: “The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and Kingspan have announced they have mutually agreed to end their partnership. “Announced last week, the new partnership included Kingspan chairing a new Sustainability Working Group for the team, and aimed to deliver carbon reductions through their leading-edge environmentally sustainable solutions for the team’s future campus. “However, both parties have subsequently concluded that it is not appropriate for the partnership to move forward at the current point in time, notwithstanding its intended positive impact, and we have therefore agreed that it will be discontinued with immediate effect.”

Hamilton receives criticism from Grenfell Tower survivors after sporsorship deal with Kingspan

Kevin Peterson03 mins

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is facing protests from survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy over a decision to be sponsored by the company that made combustible insulation used on the tower. Kingspan, which campaigners say played a central role in the fire that killed 72 people, has agreed a deal with Mercedes that will see its logo emblazoned on Hamilton’s and other drivers’ Formula One cars. The survivors’ group Grenfell United called for the seven-time world champion to cancel the relationship. The insulation company changed the composition of its plastic foam boards before the fire in June 2017, which tests at the Grenfell Inquiry found “burned like a raging inferno”. It continued to sell the boards around the UK despite concerns, including a small amount on the Grenfell tower block in west Loandon. Mercedes said after the partnership was announced that it was “n exciting partnership”. The firm said in a statement that sponsorship deals were not decided by individual drivers. “Our partner Kingspan has supported, and continues to support, the vitally important work of the inquiry to determine what went wrong and why in the Grenfell Tower tragedy,” Mercedes said in a statement. “Our new partnership announced this week is centred on sustainability, and will support us in achieving our targets in this area.” Hamilton has previously spoken out in solidarity with victims of the blaze. On the third anniversary of the fire he posted on Instagram: “Remembering the 72 souls we lost and their loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”